Vatican Envoy in Lebanon to Assist al-Rahi in Pressing Election of New President

A Papal envoy will arrive in Beirut at the end of May to press forward the election of a new head of state amid the sharp rift among the political arch-foes over a consensual candidate.

Local newspapers reported on Tuesday that the Vatican’s dispatched envoy comes in light of Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi's recent visit to Paris, where he met with French President Francois Hollande.

Al-Joumhouria newspaper said that talks underlined the importance of France's role in pushing forward the election of a president.

According to the daily, France will carry out the necessary contacts with the countries that play a role in Lebanon in coordination with the United States and the Vatican, as the Patriarch will have to discuss the possible options to reach a settlement with Christian rivals.

The synchronized efforts are accompanied by endeavors exerted by al-Rahi locally, where he is set to hold talks with political powers in Lebanon to ease the tension and reach a breakthrough over a compromise candidate.

Al-Rahi has so far met with Kataeb Party leader Amin Gemayel.

According to An Nahar newspaper, the Patriarch aims at narrowing the list of candidates and finding a consensual figure to be elected as head of state.

The daily said that al-Rahi will move on two levels, directly through talks with Christian leaders and indirectly by sending envoys.

Lebanon has been without a president since May last year when the term of Michel Suleiman ended without the election of a successor.

Ongoing disputes between the rival March 8 and 14 camps over a compromise candidate have thwarted the election.

Hizbullah's Loyalty to the Resistance and MP Michel Aoun's Change and Reform blocs have been boycotting the polls over the dispute.

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