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Today Lebanon to the safe haven with the election of General Joseph Aoun as President
Camil Shalala
In a historic and long-awaited step, following more than two years of stagnation, most Lebanese political forces have placed the supreme interests of their country above any factional or sectarian concerns. With unified resolve, they agreed to elect the current army commander, General Joseph Aoun, as President of the Lebanese Republic. He succeeds General Michel Aoun, whose term ended on October 30, 2022.
Aoun, now the 14th President of Lebanon, transitions directly from his role as army commander to the presidency. He secured 99 votes in the second round of voting during a session held by the Lebanese Parliament on Thursday, attended by all 128 representatives. This step can only be described as historic, coming at an exceptional time for Lebanon and the entire region. Lebanon has faced prolonged stagnation and political and economic crises over the past few years. The election of Aoun is expected to mark a turning point, facilitating the swift and effective rebuilding of Lebanon’s state. Moreover, regional developments, such as the evolving situation in Syria, are likely to alleviate the crisis caused by the prolonged presence of displaced Syrians in Lebanon, setting the stage for their return home.
International and regional powers have responded positively to Aoun’s victory, viewing it as a genuine opportunity to stabilise Lebanon, rebuild its institutions, and establish a strong, independent state free from external interference. This election signifies a shift in Lebanon’s political landscape, as various factions united to prioritise the country’s national interest.
Aoun’s post-election speech highlighted his awareness of Lebanon’s challenges. He pledged to preserve Lebanon’s sovereignty and independence, vowing to act as a fair arbiter between political parties. He expressed confidence in the Lebanese state’s ability to counter Israeli occupation and address the consequences of past aggressions.
Economically, Lebanon is already seeing signs of improvement. Lebanese bonds witnessed a significant rise on the day of Aoun’s election. Most international bonds increased in value by approximately 0.8 to 0.9 cents, reaching about 16 cents to the dollar. This suggests growing optimism for Lebanon’s economic recovery under his leadership.
In conclusion, the election of Aoun represents a historic milestone in Lebanon’s journey through one of the most challenging periods in its history. Aoun likened the circumstances of his election to an “earthquake†that has shaken the nation. Our message to all Lebanese people, across all sects and communities, is to unite in support of Aoun. Together, they can help guide the homeland of the cedars toward a long-awaited safe haven. |
