Béchara Raï (in the center) surrounded by the new president of the Maronite League, Maroun Hélou (on the left), and his predecessor Khalil Karam, as well as members of the new council. Photo ANI
BEIRUT — The Maronite League, a private, non-profit organization of prominent Lebanese Christian Maronites, expressed “great satisfaction” Wednesday over recent diplomatic developments following Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Lebanon, particularly the latest negotiations with Israel aimed at avoiding renewed military escalation.
In a statement released by the state-run National News Agency (NNA), the league’s executive council, chaired by Maroun Helou, praised “the approach adopted” by the Lebanese state and President Joseph Aoun, which prioritizes negotiation over conflict. The council said the strategy reflects the message delivered by the Pope, calling it “a sign of hope in this sensitive phase our country is going through.”
The organization also welcomed the appointment of Simon Karam, former Lebanese ambassador to the United States, as head of the Lebanese delegation to the cease-fire monitoring committee, which met last week in Naqoura in southern Lebanon. A veteran civilian negotiator in talks with Israel, Karam was described as “an insightful choice” for the role, embodying “recognized diplomatic and national value.”
Highlighting “the fundamental role of the army,” the Maronite League also expressed hope for the continuation of Lebanon’s disarmament plan for militias. The plan aims to reserve the bearing of arms for the state both south and north of the Litani River, “to strengthen security and sovereignty and shield Lebanon from the risks of renewed war.”
Approved by the Cabinet in early September, the initiative to ensure a state monopoly on weapons — effectively dismantling Hezbollah’s and other factions’ arsenals — is ongoing in southern Lebanon. Under close U.S. supervision, the full disarmament of Hezbollah south of the Litani River is expected by year-end, with the next progress report from Lebanese Army chief General Rodolph Haykal scheduled for Jan. 5, 2026.
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