The head of the Maronite Church, Patriarch Bechara al-Rai, met with US Ambassador Dorothy Shea on Monday in Bkerke. Following the meeting, Ambassador Shea left without making any statement.

According to the National News Agency (NNA, official), the Patriarch reiterated his opposition to any attempts to “bring down” the army Commander-in-Chief, General Joseph Aoun, who is scheduled to retire on January 10. This comes as several parties are calling for a delay in his departure to avoid a vacancy at the helm of the army, particularly in view of the current political and security situation.

Rai has repeatedly voiced his stance on this matter. On Sunday, an opposition delegation visited caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati to ask him to “take a swift decision” to delay Aoun’s retirement.

During the meeting between Rai and Shea, the importance of electing a President of the Republic was emphasized, as well as the US’ commitment to Lebanon’s stability and to keeping it out of the ongoing war in Gaza, according to NNA.

Patriarch Rai also met with MP Ghassan Skaff, who called for avoiding a vacancy at the head of the army.

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