As part of her meetings with different Lebanese stakeholders, UN Special Coordinator Joanna Wronecka discussed this week with two of Lebanon’s top religious leaders the political and socio-economic situation and the importance of maintaining the country’s social cohesion. With Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros El-Rahi, the Special Coordinator expressed her profound concern at the prolonged presidential vacuum that has left the country without a head of state for over nine months. They agreed on the need for intensified efforts to break the political stalemate. The Special Coordinator also met with Grand Mufti of the Republic Sheikh Abdel-Latif Derian.  They discussed the need to prioritize the effective functioning of State institutions and the interests of citizens. The Special Coordinator emphasized the important role that religious leaders can play in reducing tensions and promoting social cohesion among Lebanon’s different sectarian communities.