Hale Emphasizes Importance of Dialogue, Maronite Patriarchate Role to Resolve Presidential Deadlock

The United States Ambassador to Lebanon David Hale underlined the importance of the dialogue between the rival parties in Lebanon, setting the election of a new head of state in Lebanon as a priority.

The dialogue between the Free Patriotic Movement and the Lebanese Forces would facilitate the election of a new president, al-Joumhouria newspaper published on Friday quoted Hale as saying during a visit to Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi the day before.

Part of the solution to the presidential stalemate is in the hands of the Christians, Hale reportedly told al-Rahi.

The U.S. diplomat reiterated that his country doesn't have an agenda regarding the crisis, stressing that it's not seeking to make any candidate reach the Baabda Palace.

He also vowed to continue endeavors with “friends” to reach a solution.

Hale stressed to al-Rahi the importance of the role played by the Maronite Patriarchate to defuse obstacles, in particular between Christians, to carry out the elections.

Change and Reform MP Ibrahim Kanaan and LF official Melhem Riachi are preparing for the dialogue between Aoun and Geagea.

The MPs of the Change and Reform bloc of Aoun - also a candidate - and the majority of the lawmakers in the Hizbullah-led March 8 alliance have boycotted the electoral sessions, causing a lack of quorum.

Al-Rahi also met on Thursday with Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji. The talks according to al-Joumhouria newspaper focused on the security situation in the country.

“Al-Rahi praised the role played by the army and the remaining security agencies to combat the difficult situation in Lebanon.”