Lebanon: UN hails election of new President as a critical first step
9 January 2025
Beirut, Lebanon – The United Nations has hailed the election of Michel Aoun as Lebanon’s new President, calling it a “critical first step” towards ending the country’s long-running political crisis.
Aoun, a former general and Maronite Christian, was elected by Parliament on Monday after 35 rounds of voting. He is the first President to be elected in Lebanon since 2014, when the term of Michel Suleiman expired.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, said that he was “encouraged” by the election of Aoun and called on all Lebanese to “work together to build a more stable and prosperous future for their country.”
“The election of a new President is a critical first step towards ending the political crisis that has paralyzed Lebanon for so long,” Guterres said. “I urge all Lebanese to come together and support their new President in his efforts to build a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.”
The election of Aoun comes at a time of great uncertainty for Lebanon. The country is facing a number of challenges, including an ongoing civil war in neighboring Syria, which has led to an influx of refugees; a struggling economy; and sectarian tensions.
Aoun has pledged to work towards resolving these challenges and has called for unity among all Lebanese. “We must all work together to build a better future for Lebanon,” he said in his acceptance speech. “We must put our differences aside and focus on what unites us.”
The international community has welcomed the election of Aoun and expressed hope that it will lead to a period of stability in Lebanon. The United States, France, and Saudi Arabia have all congratulated Aoun on his election and pledged their support for his government.
The European Union said in a statement that it “welcomes the election of Michel Aoun as President of Lebanon and hopes that it will contribute to stability and peace in the country.”
Aoun’s election is seen as a positive step towards ending the political crisis in Lebanon. However, there are still many challenges facing the country and it is too early to say whether Aoun will be successful in his efforts to resolve them.
Lebanon: UN hails election of new President as a critical first step
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