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Rai says election of Nawaf Salam is not a coup after meeting Joseph Aoun

Rai wished Aoun success in his mission in a meeting held in the Baabda Palace

Rai says election of Nawaf Salam is not a coup after meeting Joseph Aoun

President Joseph Aoun meets with Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai on Jan. 15, 2025. (Credit: Lebanese presidency's account on X).

BEIRUT — Lebanon's newly-elected President Joseph Aoun met on Wednesday with Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai in the Baabda Palace, according to the Lebanese Presidency's account on X.

According to the account, Rai wished Aoun success in his great mission, which includes "building internal unity where every citizen feels responsible and no one is excluded, rebuilding destroyed houses, institutions and places of worship, strengthening state institutions, achieving economic progress and conducting structural reforms."

Quoted by local media outlets, Rai hoped that the government would be formed quickly without excluding anyone, stressing that the assignment of Nawaf Salam to form the government was not a coup. 

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He added that "Salam's name was put forward more than once, and his assignment came after considerable effort and consultations, just like what happened in the election of the president.”

"No one can sit on the sidelines and this is what [Joseph Aoun and Nawaf Salam] want,” he said, adding: “It is time to get rid of pessimism."

Aoun also met on Wednesday with the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, John X Yazigi, who was accompanied by a delegation of bishops.

Following the meeting, Yazigi said, “President Aoun has a long and challenging journey ahead of him, but he won the trust of the Lebanese, which reflects hope for a new Lebanon.”

He added that Lebanon has turned a page and started a new one, expressing his appreciation for the process of resolving the various crises in the country. He emphasized his support and wished for President Aoun and wished President Aoun success in his mission.

BEIRUT — Lebanon's newly-elected President Joseph Aoun met on Wednesday with Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai in the Baabda Palace, according to the Lebanese Presidency's account on X.According to the account, Rai wished Aoun success in his great mission, which includes "building internal unity where every citizen feels responsible and no one is excluded, rebuilding destroyed...