NNA - Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Beirut, Archbishop Elias Audi, on Wednesday welcomed US Ambassador to Lebanon, Dorothy Shea, with whom he discussed current developments. 

Bishop Audi then received Caretaker Minister of Interior and Municipalities, Judge Bassam Mawlawi, who said after the visit: "We’ve affirmed to His Eminence our keenness on the citizens' concerns and affairs because we are here to serve them, achieve everything that they desire, and implement the law."

Mawlawi then pointed out that Archbishop Audi pinned great importance on the election of a new Lebanese president as soon as possible “so that Lebanon can return to play its active role in the Arab community, especially amid the current atmosphere of understandings and rapprochements.”

“Lebanon must elect a president who will bring it back to the Arab community and affirm the country’s effectiveness,” he added. 

Mawlawi further explained that Archbishop Audi had stressed the necessity of holding municipal and mayoral elections. 

“This is an issue that I have always and repeatedly emphasized, and I say that holding municipal and mayoral elections is a constitutional and legal entitlement, and all entitlements must be respected rather than be a mere option,” noted Mawlawi. Whether it was possible to hold said elections before May, the minister of interior said: “Of course it is possible, and they must be held before May; next week we will send a letter to confirm this. I am adamant because the Lebanese insist and the law stipulates these elections.” 

================R.H.