'Breakthroughs' in opposition-FPM talks for agreeing on candidate

International and regional pressure for ending Lebanon’s presidential void has pushed political forces, including the Lebanese Forces and the Free Patriotic Movement, to intensify communication in a bid to reach consensus over a presidential candidate, a media report and an LF MP said.

“The contacts have led to breakthroughs but have not yet reached the stage of consensus over a single candidate,” Asharq al-Awsat newspaper, which is close to the Saudi leadership, reported on Tuesday.

“There is communication among all opposition parties and between the opposition and the FPM,” MP Fadi Karam of the LF told the daily.

“There are chances for rapprochement and bridging the gaps between us,” Karam added.

“Due to the meetings and negotiations with the opposition and the FPM, things have become clearer and are no longer vague concerning a candidate who can be nominated in a joint manner,” the lawmaker went on to say.

As for FPM chief Jebran Bassil’s rejection of the nomination of Army chief Gen. Joseph Aoun, Karam said: “Nothing is final regarding the names, even the name of the army commander.”