Lebanon.. Joseph Aoun approaches the Baabda presidential palace
Al Jazeera – Agencies:
The Commander of the Lebanese Army, General Joseph Aoun, approached the Baabda Presidential Palace on the eve of the Parliament session dedicated to electing the president, after the Lebanese opposition forces announced yesterday evening, Wednesday, their agreement to elect Aoun as President of the Republic.
A statement issued by a meeting of opposition representatives in Maarab, read by MP Fouad Makhzoumi, said: “Support General Joseph Aoun for the presidency of the republic and vote for him.”
The meeting of opposition representatives was held in the presence of the head of the Lebanese Forces Party, Samir Geagea, the head of the Lebanese Phalange Party, MP Sami Gemayel, and MPs Fouad Makhzoumi, Ashraf Rifi, Michel Moawad, Waddah Al-Sadiq, Michel Douaihy, Mark Daou, Adeeb Abdel Masih, Nadim Gemayel, Salim Al-Sayegh, and Elias Hankash. Strida Geagea, Ghassan Hasbani, and George Okais.
The independent and change representatives who met in the residence of MP Ghassan Skaf announced in a statement that the success of General Joseph Aoun with distinction in managing the military institution, neutralizing it from political obstacles, controlling security and protecting civil peace, made him an object of trust and appreciation at home and abroad… and he came to represent what is close to an internal consensus. Politically and popularly, in addition to the Arab and international consensus that we need at this time to address the effects of successive financial, economic, political and security collapses.”
The statement pointed out that the consensus of the Lebanese people around the Lebanese Army has given great impetus to its commander in this difficult time, and he has performed his duties with high professionalism, for which even his opponents can attest, and for these reasons, the attendees decided to vote for General Joseph Aoun as President of the Republic.
Earlier, the head of the Marada Movement, former Minister Suleiman Franjieh, announced yesterday, Wednesday, the withdrawal of his candidacy for the presidency of the republic. He also announced his support for the election of Aoun as president, while the former minister, lawyer Ziad Baroud, announced his reluctance to run for the presidency.
Franjieh said in a statement: “Now that the circumstances have been met for electing a president of the republic, and in light of what has turned out, I announce the withdrawal of my candidacy, which was never an obstacle to the election process.”
Franjieh thanked everyone who voted for him, saying: “In line with what I announced in previous positions, I support General Joseph Aoun, who has the characteristics to reserve the position of the First Presidency.
Franjieh wished the House of Representatives success in the election process, and for the nation to pass this stage with unity, awareness and responsibility.
Former Minister Ziad Baroud also announced in a statement his reluctance to run for the presidency of Lebanon, and said: “I announced yesterday that I would not be part of the competition, in the event that a broad national consensus was reached on the name of the president. As I thank the ladies and gentlemen of the deputies who honored me with their support, I declare my reluctance, pledging Lebanese men and women that I will continue with them as one of the fighters for the republic, wishing the future president all the best.
The thirteenth session to elect the President of Lebanon is scheduled to be held today, Thursday, starting at 11 a.m., headed by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, to end the presidential vacancy that lasted 26 months.
