Despite the strenuous political efforts exerted lately to end the 20-month presidential deadlock, hopes seem to be dim in that regard in light of the regional developments casting their shadow over Lebanon.

“Nothing is expected in the near future regarding the presidential entitlement,” diplomatic sources told the daily al-Joumhouria on Saturday.

“The regional arenas, Syria, Iraq and Yemen, still have the final word. As long as these arenas are still complex and far from a solution, the presidential election deadlock in Lebanon will stay in the freezer,” they added on condition of anonymity.

“The latest initiatives that have been put forward may seem appeasing in shape but they are actually more complicated in content. Many prefer to wage the presidential race away from competition or having to face two or more candidates. The majority of political figures prefer to agree on a consensual candidate instead.”

“A parliamentary session set to elect a president where MPs Michel Aoun and Marada leader chief Suleiman Franjieh are competing is impossible to convene. The constitutional quorum will not be complete unless one of them is consensually agreed upon, which seems impossible at the time,” the diplomatic sources concluded.

The latest move aiming at solving the presidential impasse came on Monday when Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea pulled out of the presidential race in favor of Change and Reform bloc chief Aoun, in an attempt to close Christian ranks and resolve the country’s 20-month political deadlock.

Observers saw the nomination as a response to al-Mustaqbal Movement leader MP Saad Hariri’s nomination of Franjieh as president which was met with reservation by the LF, Kataeb party and the Free Patriotic Movement.