Sources in Paris familiar with the negotiations for the Lebanese presidency have refuted claims by some Lebanese media that former minister Suleiman Franjieh’s paper was “burned” by France. According to reports, Franjieh’s recent visit was focused on discussing “pledges” on major issues such as Syrian refugees, border control, and the political and economic reform agenda, as well as what Hezbollah and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad could offer in terms of refugee and border issues, including the navy. France is seeking to understand why Franjieh believes he can obtain concessions that former President Michel Aoun couldn’t, though its ability to succeed remains uncertain due to regional reservations and opposition from major Christian parties.
Sources familiar with the contacts taking place in Paris regarding the battle for the Lebanese presidency say that what some Lebanese media outlets are promoting, that the paper of former minister Suleiman Franjieh was “burned” by France, does not correspond to reality.
According to the information available yesterday, the purpose of Franjieh’s recent visit is to “understand with him” about what he can make of “pledges” on major issues, dealing with Syrian refugees, border control, and working with the content of the political and economic reform agenda.
Paris also wants to know what Franjieh can get from Hezbollah and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad regarding the issues of refugees and the demarcation of borders, including the navy.
France is seeking to find out the reasons why Franjieh believes that he can obtain from Hezbollah and Syria what these two parties did not give to former President Michel Aoun.
Regarding Paris’s ability to succeed in its endeavour, the sources indicate that there are no definitive answers. Because there is a “gray area” dealing with regional reservations, in addition to the rejection of the “Lebanese Forces” and the “Free Patriotic Movement”, the two largest Christian parties, to Franjieh’s accession to the presidency, which is betting on the “French minesweeper”.
A French paper “did not burn” a Frenchman and his visit to Paris to reach an understanding with him on “undertakings”
In conclusion, it appears that the rumors of France burning Suleiman Franjieh’s paper are unfounded. What is clear, however, is that the battle for the Lebanese presidency is ongoing and France is seeking to understand what Franjieh can bring to the table in terms of major issues such as dealing with Syrian refugees, border control, and political and economic reform. With reservations from regional parties and the two largest Christian parties in Lebanon, the path to the presidency may not be a clear one for Franjieh, but the French are still hoping to navigate these obstacles in their pursuit of a resolution.