Franjieh 'relieved', Iran may join '5+1 group' on Lebanon

Marada Movement chief Suleiman Franjieh appeared to be “very relieved” although “realistic” following his return from Paris, al-Akhbar newspaper quoted his visitors as saying.

“The French stressed to him that the discussions with others over his nomination have not at all come to an end,” the daily quoted sources close to Franjieh as saying.

Prominent political sources meanwhile told al-Akhbar that “Franjieh has been informed that he is still the leading candidate for the French,” although “the regional developments have not changed to become in his interest.”

“The French told him that they have not yet managed to break the Saudi siege on him and that Riyadh’s stance on him has not changed, although they will continue to support him,” al-Akhbar said.

Egypt has meanwhile proposed “the formation of a 5+1 group aimed at adding Iran to the five-party group discussing the Lebanese file -- the U.S., France, Qatar, Egypt and Saudi Arabia,” the daily added.

Moreover, “the meetings would be moved to Riyadh as a reassuring move toward the kingdom,” the newspaper said.

The daily also said that Bernard Émié, the Director of the French General Directorate for External Security, had told Progressive Socialist Party chief Walid Jumblat during his presence in Paris that France was “still clinging to Franjieh” despite the PSP leader’s “attempt to convince him of the difficulty of his election” as president.

Prominent sources meanwhile told al-Akhbar that Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea’s latest escalation “came at the request of Saudi Ambassador to Beirut Walid Bukhari.”