Al-Rahi in France to Discuss Presidential Stalemate

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi arrived in France on Saturday after a four-day visit to Armenia where he attended the centenary commemoration of the Armenian genocide.

Al-Rahi arrived at the Le Bourget Airport on board a private jet put at his disposal by Deputy Prime Minister Issam Fares.

The Patriarch, who is on his fourth pastoral visit to France, is expected to meet on Monday with French President Francoise Hollande at the Elysee.

Discussions between the two men are set to focus on electing a new Lebanese president after an almost one year vacuum at the top state post.

Furthermore, al-Rahi will inaugurate Europe's Maronite Diocese in the town of Meudon in the French capital's suburbs.

Lawmakers have failed so far to elect a new head of state over lack of quorum, after the term of President Michel Suleiman ended in May 2014.

Vacuum striking the presidential post since May is having a tough impact on the cabinet and the parliament as the state is threatened with further crises over ongoing rows between the rival parties.

D.A.