Naharnet

Al-Rahi to Head to France Monday for Talks with Senior Officials

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi is expected to head to Paris on Monday on a four-day official visit to meet with senior French officials.

An Nahar newspaper reported on Thursday that al-Rahi will hold talks with French President Francois Hollande on the second day of his visit.

Al-Rahi will also meet with Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius.

Media reports said that the visit comes in light of the recent developments on Lebanon after Prime Minister Najib Miqati resigned and the failure of the rival parties to reach consensus over a new electoral law.

Miqati's resignation on March 22 prompted calls for the resumption of the national dialogue.

His resignation further complicated the political crisis in Lebanon after signs began appearing that the Hizbullah-led March 8 forces are seeking a national salvation cabinet while the March 14 opposition alliance wants a neutral government.

The Central News Agency reported that al-Rahi will kick off a pastoral tour in Latin America after his Paris visit.

The tour will last until the end of May and include Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Costarica, Colombia and Venezuela.


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