Source: Naharnet

The ambassadors of the five-nation group for Lebanon met Thursday with Free Patriotic Movement leader Jebran Bassil at his residence in Bayyada, as they resumed their meetings for a second day in Beirut.

The quintet's ambassadors had met Wednesday with Marada leader Suleiman Franjieh, Kataeb leader Sami Gemayel, and the National Moderation bloc MPs.

The ambassadors will meet with other politicians this week in an attempt to end a presidential impasse in Lebanon.

Crisis-hit Lebanon has been without a president since Michel Aoun's term ended in October 2022, with neither of the two main blocs -- Hezbollah and its opponents -- having the majority required to elect one.

The international community and the five-nation group have long urged Lebanese leaders to end months of political wrangling and stem the financial meltdown.

Egyptian Ambassador Alaa Moussa said after the meetings Wednesday that the quintet is trying "to build bridges" and "increase trust" between the Lebanese parties. He said that "common ground is increasing day after day."