Minister of Interior Ahmad Hajjar met with Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros Rahi in Bkerke, where discussions focused on national issues and the overall situation in the country.
Following the meeting, Hajjar said he had briefed the Patriarch on the general conditions in Lebanon, noting Rahi’s “keen interest in all matters affecting citizens, particularly national stability, security, and the situation along the southern border.” He also outlined “the efforts exerted by the Lebanese state to overcome both the economic crisis and the ongoing Israeli violations and occupation.”
Hajjar added that he informed the Patriarch about “the mechanisms for implementing the ministerial statement, especially regarding the extension of state authority across all Lebanese territory and the execution of the army’s plan in this respect.”
On parliamentary elections, Hajjar affirmed that “the Patriarch, the President, the government, and I personally all stress the necessity of holding the elections on schedule,” highlighting the Patriarch’s support for “the expatriates’ right to vote, as was the case in 2018 and 2022.”
Regarding the murder of young Elio Abi Hanna, Hajjar revealed that “serious progress has been made, with several perpetrators handed over to security agencies following the President’s direct intervention,” adding that others “will also be brought to justice.” He concluded by offering condolences to Abi Hanna’s family and emphasizing that “security forces are pursuing the case with utmost seriousness until justice is served.”
Following the meeting, Hajjar said he had briefed the Patriarch on the general conditions in Lebanon, noting Rahi’s “keen interest in all matters affecting citizens, particularly national stability, security, and the situation along the southern border.” He also outlined “the efforts exerted by the Lebanese state to overcome both the economic crisis and the ongoing Israeli violations and occupation.”
Hajjar added that he informed the Patriarch about “the mechanisms for implementing the ministerial statement, especially regarding the extension of state authority across all Lebanese territory and the execution of the army’s plan in this respect.”
On parliamentary elections, Hajjar affirmed that “the Patriarch, the President, the government, and I personally all stress the necessity of holding the elections on schedule,” highlighting the Patriarch’s support for “the expatriates’ right to vote, as was the case in 2018 and 2022.”
Regarding the murder of young Elio Abi Hanna, Hajjar revealed that “serious progress has been made, with several perpetrators handed over to security agencies following the President’s direct intervention,” adding that others “will also be brought to justice.” He concluded by offering condolences to Abi Hanna’s family and emphasizing that “security forces are pursuing the case with utmost seriousness until justice is served.”
