“After more than two years of political crisis, Lebanon’s parliament elected army chief General Joseph Aoun as the country’s president. Source: Reuters Details: In the second round of voting, General Aoun received 99 votes out of a possible 128, securing the necessary majority to be elected president.”, — write: www.pravda.com.ua
After more than two years of political crisis, Lebanon’s parliament elected army chief General Joseph Aoun as the country’s president.
Source: Reuters
Details: In the second round of voting, General Aoun received 99 votes out of a possible 128, securing the necessary majority to be elected president.
The previous president, Michel Aoun, left office in October 2022. Since then, the country remained without a president, and his duties were performed by Prime Minister Najib Mikati. The election of a new president was blocked for a long time due to internal political disputes.
Literally: “His election could be a chance for a political reset and an end to the long power vacuum in the country.”
Details: In his inaugural speech, the newly elected president announced the beginning of a “new stage” for Lebanon. He pledged to invest in the military to protect borders, fight terrorism, enforce international resolutions and prevent Israeli attacks. Aoun also emphasized the importance of fighting corruption, saying that there will be no immunity for criminals.
Literally: “Aoun pledged to work for the state’s exclusive right to bear arms, drawing loud applause, while lawmakers from Hezbollah, which runs its own armed forces, sat quietly.”
Details: Aoun played a key role in securing a cease-fire between Hezbollah and Israel brokered by Washington and Paris in November. According to the terms, the Lebanese army must deploy in southern Lebanon while Israeli forces and Hezbollah withdraw their forces.
US President Joe Biden expressed confidence in the newly elected president, emphasizing his key role in maintaining the ceasefire and rebuilding the country. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar noted that the election of Aoun will contribute to stability and good neighborly relations.
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyi, also congratulated Aoun on his election as the President of Lebanon. He published his greeting on the X social network.
Zelensky’s direct speech: “We congratulate General Joseph Aoun on his election to the post of President of the Republic of Lebanon. We hope for a speedy resolution of the protracted domestic political crisis in Lebanon.”
Details: The President of Ukraine also wished the restoration of peace, stability and prosperity to the Lebanese people. “I look forward to a meaningful and constructive interaction with the newly elected president of Lebanon based on mutual trust and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our states,” Zelenskyy wrote.