Macron convinced the Crown Prince of the necessity of the Kingdom’s involvement in Lebanon

The president-elect received a call from French President Emmanuel Macron congratulating him on his election. Why did they support him? Al-Nahar correspondent Randa Takieddine quoted a senior French source who described President Joseph Aoun’s speech as a strong speech, and noted that President Aoun did not mention the word resistance in his speech. The source added that the reasons for the Five-Year Committee’s conviction in Joseph Aoun for the presidency are that the members of the Committee saw the need for an honest man to be at the head of the country who is capable of obtaining international trust and leading the country to carry out the necessary reforms in the economic, financial and energy sectors, and Joseph Aoun possesses these specifications in addition to that he A figure outside the competition of parties and factions in a country witnessing worsening poverty and migration of people. The source noted the role of the quintet in pushing for the election of a president, and France’s role was important, with major efforts from Saudi Arabia, which intervened mainly to push the election. Regarding Saudi Arabia’s late but decisive involvement in Lebanon, the source explained that Saudi Arabia had traditionally played a major role in the recent past in Lebanon, especially with the Sunni community, but when Prince Mohammed bin Salman assumed the crown prince and witnessed the failure of the Lebanese political class to emerge from the political and economic crisis in the country, he considered it It is difficult to work to help this class. But this period is now in the past. President Emmanuel Macron insisted on convincing the Crown Prince of the necessity of the Kingdom’s involvement in Lebanon, especially since Saudi Arabia does not want to have any destabilization of a country in the region in its neighborhood that might represent a problem for Saudi Arabia. There is no doubt that there is an interest for Saudi Arabia to become involved in order for the situation in Lebanon to improve, provided that there is a government with a president that France and Saudi Arabia can work with. The source said that this election represents a turning point that will demonstrate the involvement of the international community to help the Lebanese people.

In turn, US presidential envoy Amos Hochstein stressed that the election of Joseph Aoun is a step towards peace and stability in Lebanon.

The US Ambassador to Lebanon, Lisa Johnson, said that she is very happy with Aoun’s election, and the embassy affirmed its commitment to working closely with President Aoun as he begins efforts to unify the country, implement reforms, and secure a prosperous future for Lebanon.

British Ambassador Hamish Coyle said it was a sign of hope for Lebanon after many challenges. The next major step under his leadership is the rapid formation of a government committed to advancing much-needed reforms. Britain is ready to support him.

European Union Ambassador Sandra de Waal said: Congratulations to Lebanon for electing a president. Very encouraging statements by President Joseph Aoun. Responsibility towards future generations, unity between sects, reforms and state monopoly on arms. We look forward to the rapid formation of the government as the next step. The European Union is ready to provide support.