Broad consensus to end the presidential vacancy
On the eve of the election of a new President of the Republic in Lebanon, political statements from representatives and officials increased, highlighting the importance of choosing a candidate who enjoys broad consensus internally and externally. In light of the difficult circumstances that Lebanon is going through, it seems that the Commander of the Lebanese Army, General Joseph Aoun, has become the preferred choice of many political forces, as MPs’ statements showed strong support for him as a candidate for the presidency of the republic.
These statements emphasize the importance of directing political choices towards a personality capable of leading Lebanon during this delicate stage, indicating that General Aoun possesses the necessary qualifications to lead the country towards stability and security in light of the great challenges facing the country.
In this context, the “National Moderation” bloc held, at its headquarters in Saifi, a meeting to discuss developments in the presidential file, attended by its members, MPs Walid Al-Baarini, Muhammad Suleiman, Abdul Aziz Al-Samad, Saji’ Attiya, Ahmed Rustom and Ahmed Al-Khair, and issued the following statement at its conclusion:
“Since the beginning of the presidential vacuum, the “National Moderation” bloc has not been part of any alignment or division. Rather, it has always been part of any effort that works to bring viewpoints closer together, and has initiated more than one effort to search for national consensus, as it is the only one capable of electing a president of the republic. By strengthening national partnership, and ensuring a promising start to a new presidential and governmental era, it reassures the Lebanese and unites them on what will lift Lebanon from hell and collapse, and place it On the path to recovery and reconstruction, launching the reform workshop and implementing the “Taif Constitution,” and returning it to the embrace of Arab and international legitimacy, as it has always been.
Since the opportunity for national consensus has appeared on the horizon of the election session scheduled for January 9 of this year, with Arab and international support, and since the title of the opportunity is agreement on the name of the Army Commander, General Joseph Aoun, as he is a national figure who possesses the presidential specifications required for this stage and its current and future challenges, locally and Arably. Internationally, the “National Moderation” bloc announces its support for the election of General Joseph Aoun as President of the Republic, and its keenness to intensify all efforts and endeavors to Securing consensus on his election, and seizing this opportunity to elect the president, so that it is not lost again in the corridors of bets, options and ambitions that have become clear to everyone, over two years and more, that they are useless, except to keep the presidency of the republic, and with it all the constitutional institutions, prisoners of the vacuum and its deadly repercussions. The Lebanese disbelieved in it.”
In a related context, MP Elias Hankash explained that “international support for the army is due to confidence in the character of the Army Commander, General Joseph Aoun,” adding: “We are working to gather the largest possible number of blocs to support this character.”
In an interview with LBCI, Hankash pointed out that “the discussion is open and we have laid out all the scenarios, and it is clear that the Lebanese Forces are reluctant to support Aoun or anyone else,” stressing that “coordination is in place between the opposition forces to reach a unified position.”
He continued: “We are in dire need of restoring international confidence in Lebanon for reconstruction and equipping the army, and people’s choices that instill confidence abroad are required.”
In turn, MP Ibrahim Mneimneh revealed that the change representatives were moving to name the army commander, General Joseph Aoun, but he stressed that “the issue is still under consultation and the official position may be announced today.”
Speaking to “Voice of All Lebanon,” Mneimneh pointed out that “most of the parliamentary blocs are waiting to see whether the name of General Aoun will be agreed upon, who is now ahead of other candidates due to the internal and external acceptance he enjoys, despite the opposition of some blocs.” He added: “If there is a national consensus on the army commander, we will not be outside this consensus.”
Regarding the meeting of opposition forces in Maarab, he said: “We will not participate in this meeting because we are not part of this opposition.”
For his part, MP Faisal Karami said in a statement to LBCI channel: “The army is considered the backbone that remains the only guarantor institution in the country, and I say today that the natural candidate is General Joseph Aoun.”
He added: “I do not see yet that there is someone other than Aoun who enjoys internal and external support, but this is up to the bloc meeting to go towards voting in a direction that serves Lebanon.”
He pointed out that “the final approach will be based on what the bloc decides to serve Lebanon’s interests.”
Representative Saeed Al-Asmar also confirmed that the meetings are open to reach a unified name for the presidency of the republic.
He said in a statement to LBCI channel: “We are keen to reach a unified position, and the coming hours are critical, and we are open to all options.”
He added: “We were the first to support the army commander to lead the nation and we were the spearhead in extending his term, but our concern is not to go to elections without supporting anyone, and we will not accept a ‘smuggling’ president.”
He explained, “External intervention varies between countries. There are those who put Lebanon ‘on the palm of a demon’ and those who want to help Lebanon. What Saudi Arabia is doing is not imposing a president, but rather standing by the president who will get Lebanon out of its crises.”
