Naharnet

Report: Shiite Duo agrees to Franjieh-for-Salam deal

Intensive contacts will be held over the next two weeks in a bid to reach a presidential settlement within weeks or a few months at the latest, a media report said.

The deal may be reached in late spring or in June at the latest, sources close to the Shiite Duo (Hezbollah and Amal) told al-Liwaa newspaper in remarks published Saturday.

“A settlement is looming in the horizon, under which (Marada Movement chief Suleiman) Franjieh will be elected (as president) in return for the appointment as premier of (ex-)ambassador (to the U.N.) and (former) International Court of Justice judge Nawaf Salam,” the daily added.

Quoting “credible sources,” al-Liwaa said that in the wake of the latest Paris meeting, the French sent a “clear message” to Hezbollah about the aforementioned Franjieh-for-Salam deal.

“It seems that the Shiite Duo has agreed in principle to endorse the proposed settlement,” the sources added, noting that “the Lebanese Forces bloc will secure the necessary quorum for Franjieh’s election.”


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