Report: Al-Rahi Informs Hollande of Readiness to Elect Aoun as President to End Vacuum

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi has urged French President Francois Hollande to exert efforts to end Lebanon's presidential vacuum, reported the Kuwaiti daily al-Anba on Sunday.

He voiced his willingness to see the election of Free Patriotic Movement founder MP Michel Aoun as president to ensure that the impasse is resolved.

Informed sources explained that by endorsing Aoun's candidacy, the MP “will be put on the spot and force him to stop obstructing the elections.”

Hollande had reportedly relayed al-Rahi's stance to Mustaqbal Movement chief MP Saad Hariri.

The lawmaker replied that he “does not mind” the proposal, saying that he is keen on ending the vacuum.

He did however reiterate his support for his presidential candidate, Marada Movement leader MP Suleiman Franjieh.

The sources predicted that Hariri will not take any steps towards reaching an understanding with Aoun without consulting with Franjieh.

He is also eager to “receive guarantees over the premiership, the formation of a cabinet, adoption of a parliamentary electoral law, and other issues”

Al-Rahi had visited France in early May and Hariri paid a similar trip days later.

Lebanon had been without a president since May 2014 when the term of Michel Suleiman ended without the election of a successor.

Ongoing disputes between the rival March 8 and 14 camps have thwarted the polls.