INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
After more than 2 years of presidential deadlock following the end of former President Michel Aouns term, the Lebanese Parliament chose Army
Commander Joseph Aoun as the 14th President of the Lebanese Republic.Joseph Aoun, the commander of the Lebanese Army, now holds the
presidency, following the regards to his predecessors: Emile Lahoud, Michel Suleiman, and Michel Aoun.This followed the Lebanese
parliamentarians vote on Thursday, where they failed to secure the required two-thirds bulk (86 votes) in the first round of ballot earlier
in the day, which is required for a prospect to win.In the 2nd round, they effectively elected the president following a two-hour break,
during which Aoun apparently met with the heads of the Loyalty to the Resistance and Development and Liberation blocs for more than an
hour.After 71 deputies chose the army leader in the preliminary, he won in the second round, with 99 taped votes.It deserves keeping in mind
that all 128 Lebanese agents participated in the governmental election, with ambassadors from several countries in participation, including
those of the United States, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Qatar, Egypt, and China.Pledge to restore trust in LebanonLebanons freshly chosen President
Joseph Aoun has vowed to introduce a new chapter in the nations history, highlighting unity, justice, and institutional reform as crucial
pillars of his presidency
Talking to the nation following his election, Aoun delivered a series of declarations outlining his vision for Lebanons future
We are a brave people, resistant in the face of difficulty
No matter our distinctions, in times of hardship, we come together, Aoun stated
If one of us falls, we all fall
The president-elect promised to work with undeviating commitment to reconstruct trust in the Lebanese state
Today marks the beginning of a brand-new stage in Lebanons history
My promise is to serve the state of Lebanon with integrity, he affirmed.Aoun worried the requirement for impartiality and accountability in
governance, vowing, There will be no immunity for lawbreakers, corrupt people, or criminals
Justice will be the supreme arbiter
He even more dedicated to supporting the constitution, stating, I promise to challenge the constitutionality of any law that violates the
charter and to appreciate the separation of powers
The president-elect likewise described strategies to reorganize public administration and implement rotation in senior positions across
My promise is to reform public administration and to embrace a rotation policy for executive positions, he said.Aoun underscored the
importance of reinforcing Lebanons sovereignty and security
As the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, I promise to support the states special right to bear arms, he stated
He likewise required buying the Lebanese Army to combat terrorism and prevent Israeli aggressiveness
We need to invest in our military to secure our borders and secure against external threats
Reiterating his dedication to Lebanons self-reliance, Aoun declared, We will not compromise on Lebanons sovereignty or self-reliance
Our unity is our shield versus hardship
He urged reliance on internal strength instead of foreign powers, saying, The time has actually concerned commit our focus entirely on
Lebanon, not on external forces to acquire benefits over one another
Aoun likewise promoted for practical discussion with neighboring Syria to deal with shared issues
We have an opportunity for meaningful and respectful discussion with Syria to deal with mutual concerns, he stated
He emphasized an openness to well balanced relations with both the East and West, based on shared respect.Aoun promised to focus on social
security networks and protect liberties
I will work to enhance social safety nets and to regard liberty of journalism and expression within constitutional frameworks, he
stated.He concluded with a sense of urgency and determination, declaring, There is no time to waste
My commitment is to safeguard the general public interest and the rights of all Lebanese
Who is the 14th President of the Lebanese Republic?Joseph Aoun has actually functioned as the Commander of the Lebanese Army given that
March 8, 2017, succeeding General Jean Kahwaji
His military career began in 1983, marking the start of his long service in the army.He was promoted to Brigadier General in 2013 and
continued to increase through the ranks, achieving the rank of General in 2017
That very same year, he was selected Commander of the Army, leading throughout one of the most sensitive durations in Lebanons
history.Lebanon dealt with significant security and political challenges throughout this duration, consisting of the notable Dawn of the
In this operation, the Lebanese Army, in cooperation with Resistance forces, battled against terrorist companies on the outskirts of the
towns of Arsal and al-Qaa, located on the Syrian border.The nation likewise faced substantial security obstacles following the outbreak of
protests on October 17, 2019, and the prolonged Israeli war on Lebanon in 2024, which lasted over 60 days
These events placed brand-new duties on the Lebanese Army, particularly with the signing of the ceasefire contract.(Source: Al Mayadeen)
