Maronite Patriarch, Bechara Boutros Rahi, on Friday welcomed in Bkerke the Minister of Interior and Municipalities, Judge Bassam Mawlawi.

On emerging, Minister Mawlawi said that this was his first visit to the patriarchate since assuming his post, saying "Today, I was honored to visit His Beatitude for the first time and to brief him on the government’s work, in general, and the Ministry of Interior, in particular, and its role in ensuring security and catering to citizens' affairs and basic needs.”

In response to a question about the transparency of the upcoming parliamentary elections, Mawlawi affirmed that the elections will take place on time, saying these elections will be fair and transparent.

“We are currently working on appointing a supervisory body for the elections as soon as possible,” the Minister maintained.

He also stressed that he shall seek to ensure the success of the elections.