Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai. (Credit: NNA)
BEIRUT — Lebanon needs "stable and effective state institutions," UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Joanna Wronecka said Thursday after meeting with Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai, according to Wronecka’s Twitter account.
Here’s what we know:
• Wronecka’s remarks come two days after the first session of the newly elected Parliament which re-elected Nabih Berri as Parliament Speaker and Elias Bou Saab as his deputy.
• During her visit to the head of the Maronite Church, Wronecka spoke of "the need to promote cooperation and solidarity in Lebanon and the importance of stable and effective state institutions that can respond to the needs of the population." The UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon also expressed her gratitude to the patriarch for "a very useful exchange" around these issues.
• Two days ago, Wronecka attended the first session of Parliament before calling on MPs to "adopt the laws necessary to implement the required reforms."
• Rai had undergone a heart operation last week, according to his press office, although the exact date of his operation was not mentioned.
• Parliament is yet to elect a new prime minister. It also has to elect a new president in October when Michel Aoun’s presidential term ends.