Army Chief #JosephAoun has officially been elected as #Lebanon’s new president, marking a significant moment in the country’s political landscape. Despite being a political newcomer, Aoun’s position as head of one of Lebanon’s most respected institutions has bolstered his appeal.
Widely regarded as the favored candidate of both the United States, a staunch supporter of the Lebanese army, and regional power Saudi Arabia, Aoun is seen as the best-equipped to navigate Lebanon through its fragile ceasefire and crippling financial collapse.
Turning 61 on Friday, Aoun, known for his "personal integrity," is now tasked with stepping into the void left by Michel Aoun—no relation—whose presidency ended in October 2022
Lebanese daily @alakhbarnews reported that #SaudiArabia remains firm in its stance, maintaining economic pressure on #Lebanon.
According to visitors to #Riyadh, the kingdom has conveyed that it will not contribute "a single penny" to Lebanon’s reconstruction efforts.
Well-informed sources indicate that President #JosephAoun indirectly received this message during his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince #MohammedbinSalman earlier this month.
Additionally, he was reportedly met with a firm Saudi refusal to lift the travel ban on its citizens visiting Beirut.
During their discussions, bin Salman reportedly questioned Aoun on whether he could guarantee the safety of Saudi nationals traveling along Beirut’s airport road, which is lined with images of #Hezbollah and Iranian leaders. He remarked, “At the very least, remove the pictures.”
Upon his return, Aoun relayed this request to Speaker of Parliament #NabihBerri, inquiring about the possibility of reducing the number of such images along the route.
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Following a two-year vacancy, the Lebanese Parliament has elected #JosephAoun as the new President of the Republic. Here's what you need to know about him.
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