Last Thursday, Lebanon’s Parliament voted in General Joseph Aoun, a Maronite Christian as President of Lebanon. He was previously Lebanon’s Army Commander since 2017. His Hezbollah-nominated opponent Suleiman Frangieh withdrew his candidacy, and General Aoun got elected with 99 votes out of 128 votes in favour.
This is the first time in many years that Hezbollah has given up its control and influence over who is appointed as Lebanon’s President. Hezbollah is obligated to withdraw from the southern borders of Lebanon according to their peace deal with Israel, with Lebanese army units set to replace them.
In his inaugural speech, President Aoun pledged rule-of-law, and the upholding of the state’s monopoly on security. He condemned armed and criminal gangs and also said he will be starting consultations for the selection of a new Prime Minister and cabinet. He is also already meeting with foreign dignitaries having today met with the President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides. France and the United States congratulated him and offered their support.
Newsroom
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