Qatari ambassador meets army chief day after key announcement

Qatari Ambassador to Lebanon Sheikh Saud bin Abdul Rahman Al-Thani met Tuesday in Yarze with Army Commander General Joseph Aoun.

The ambassador stressed “the continuation of the Qatari support for Lebanon and the army amid the current extraordinary circumstances,” an army statement said.

Aoun for his part asked the ambassador to relay a message of gratitude to Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani over his "continuous support for the army."

The visit comes a day after Aoun made an unexpected announcement about the presidential file.

“I don't care about it, it doesn't concern me, no one has discussed it with me and I haven't discussed it with anyone,” Aoun said about the presidential file.

According to media reports, Qatar has been promoting Aoun’s presidential nomination for several months now.

Ad-Diyar newspaper meanwhile reported Tuesday that “a Qatari envoy is carrying out efforts, which he wants to remain undeclared and away from the spotlight, in a bid to convince the Shiite Duo to endorse Army chief General Joseph Aoun’s nomination.”