Naharnet

Report: Saudi Arabia Pushed for Franjieh's Nomination

Contacts are ongoing between Saudi Arabia and Iran over the political deadlock in Lebanon, reported al-Joumhouria newspaper on Tuesday.

A political source told the daily that Saudi Arabia has played a main role in the nomination of Marada Movement leader MP Suleiman Franjieh as president.

It is part of efforts to resolve regional crises, starting with Lebanon, it explained.

Franjieh emerged as a candidate following talks with Mustaqbal Movement leader MP Saad Hariri a few weeks ago.

Lebanon has 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 over a compromise candidate have thwarted the polls.

Saudi Arabia has repeatedly said that it does not meddle in Lebanon's internal affairs, but would support a candidate who enjoys the support of the majority of the political powers.

M.T.

D.A.


Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. https://cdn.naharnet.com/stories/en/197669