Lebanon's Frangieh still running for presidency

By Al Mayadeen English
18 Dec 2024 23:00

Sleiman Frangieh has stated that Lebanon's next president must be worthy to lead the country to a new era, announcing that he was still running for the position.

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In this Sept. 9, 2015 photo, lawmaker Sleiman Frangieh prepares to enter the parliament building for the National Dialogue meeting between Lebanese political leaders, in downtown Beirut. (AP)

Marada Movement leader Sleiman Frangieh announced that he would resume his candidacy for the presidency of Lebanon, stating that "on June 9th, I invited them to compete from a position of strength, and today, despite the circumstances, I renew the invitation because shirking responsibility is a mistake."

Frangieh noted that if he decided to withdraw, then the session on January 9 could be held without a candidate, stressing that Lebanon needs a worthy president who could lead the country into a new era.

Recalling his candidate suggestions, Frangieh said "I will not delve into names to avoid putting anyone on the spot, but we want a president who will lead us into the next phase. We want a choice that fits the current phase, not just one that serves political interests."

Commenting on developments in Syria, Frangieh hoped that Syria would maintain its Arab identity and be Lebanon's gateway to the East, adding that "we will leave judgment to time."

An Al Mayadeen correspondent reported on Monday morning that Israeli occupation forces have expanded their presence to a depth of 26 km from the slopes of Mount Hermon into southern Damascus’s countryside, along the border with Lebanon.

Sources informed Al Mayadeen that Israeli forces deployed engineering equipment toward the area previously known as the Beit Jinn gap on the slopes of Mount Hermon. This move is reportedly aimed at digging trenches to prevent potential links with Lebanese territories.

The sources added that the Beit Jinn gap served as a critical supply line for the Lebanese Resistance before 2011 and has been a focal point in recent tensions with Lebanon. The Israeli occupation's current strategy appears to involve circumventing the Resistance in this area.