But Kirby urged the new president to “uphold Lebanon’s worldwide obligations”, referring to United Nations resolutions calling for Lebanon’s militias to disarm – something Aoun’s ally Hezbollah has not done.
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Aoun is best known for fighting two ruinous wars at the end of the civil war, one against Syrian troops in Lebanon and the other against a rival Christian leader. “We will see great improvements in trade statistics during the fourth quarter of the year for the first time in five years”, he said. “We’re learning again”, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri joked of the almost two-hour process.
Aoun was elected after four rounds of voting during the session.
The Lebanese constitution stipulates that a president must secure at least two thirds of MPs (86 deputies) in the first vote, or 65 votes in another process.
On Sept. 23, 1988, when Gemayel’s term expired, Aoun was appointed as Lebanon’s Prime Minister.
Metal detectors were set up in the streets around the parliament building. Brief celebratory gunfire could also be heard in the capital.
However, when earlier this year, Geagea chose to put aside all his reservations about Aoun, with whom he fought bitterly in the past, and did the unthinkable by backing his candidacy, Hariri was in a bind.
Michel Aoun poses at the presidential palace in Baabda, Lebanon, on Monday.
“I have come from a long history of struggle full of sacrifices, especially in the military establishment”, Aoun said in a speech shortly after he was elected.
In addition to promises of economic growth and security, Aoun said Lebanon’s government must work to ensure Syrian refugees “can return quickly” to their neighboring homeland.
Yemen’s Houthi Ansarullah movement congratulated him, as well.
In a surprise move, Aoun met in 2006 with Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, secretary general of the Iranian-supported, pro-Syrian, Shiite militia Hezbollah.
Hariri’s decision to endorse Aoun marked a major political concession reflecting the diminished role of Saudi Arabia in Lebanon, and the decisive influence wielded by the Tehran-backed Hezbollah.
Aoun’s election, however, also secures victory for the powerful Shia Islamist group Hezbollah, which has given him their support. Under the country’s system of government, a.
Lebanon’s parliament named Michel Aoun as the nation’s president Monday, concluding a political stalemate that left the position vacant for two and a half years. “Until we form the Cabinet, I don’t think we will be able to function as we should”, he added. Aoun and his supporters lost, and he was forced into exile in 1991.
There is, however, one party that comes out of the maneuvering on top.
Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri, a Saudi ally, said he is endorsing Aoun as a last resort to end the power vacuum and the possible eruption of violence. The Taif deal included the authority of the president being reserved exclusively for Maronites, while increasing the powers of the Sunni prime minister.
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