The Lebanese House Speaker Nabih Berri indicated on Friday that he would delay calling for a new presidential vote session, pending the regional and international contacts aimed at enhancing the elections, adding that Lebanon is present on the agenda of most meetings.

In a press interview, Speaker Berri noted that Wednesday’s election session has proved that there should be dialogue and consensus instead of challenge and provocation.

“The votes that Head of Marada Movement Suleiman Franjieh received came as a clear message, seeing as the number he got shocked the rivals, the same as they were shocked by the meager number of votes that ex-minister Jihad Azour received,” Speaker Berri added.

Speaker Berri also suggested that “Lebanon survived an attempt to create a crisis against the backdrop of the presidential vote.”

Bou Saab

Speaker Berri on Friday welcomed at his Ain Al-Tineh residence his Deputy, Elias Bou Saab, with whom he discussed the current general situation and the latest political developments, especially the presidential election entitlement, as well as legislative affairs.

Bou Saab said in the wake of the meeting: “I suggested to Speaker Berri that we hold early parliamentary elections in case we are unable to complete presidential elections.”

“Dialogue is the best was out, and the House Speaker has every intention to call for a second session to elect a president,” he added.

Macron – Bin Salman Meeting

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman arrived at the Elysee Palace to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron over an array of dossiers, including the Lebanese presidential elections.

The French presidency said the talks would focus on bilateral relations between the two countries and on regional stability issues, especially after long-time rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran restored diplomatic ties earlier this year.

Source: Agencies