Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros Rahi said in a statement, after his meeting at the Baabda Palace with President Michel Aoun, that the latter has assured him "the elections will take place next May," pointing out that "President Aoun holds in his heart great concerns and aspirations, and carries solutions for all problems."

On emerging, Patriarch Rahi announced that he supports the positions proclaimed by President Aoun in France and the United Nations, notably his stance on the Syrian refugee crisis and the need to find adequate solutions to their ordeal.

Rahi also renewed support for Aoun's proposal to render Lebanon an international center for dialogue of civilizations, races and religions.

The patriarch also branded Aoun "a sign of hope for all Lebanese."

Rahi arrived at the Baabda palace this afternoon, where he held with the President a tour d'horizon on the general situation in the country.

Rahi briefed the President on his forthcoming visit to Rome and the United States of America, which he shall commence upcoming Friday

Source: NNA