The National Moderation Bloc has officially thrown its support behind General Joseph Aoun, the Army's Commander-in-Chief, for the upcoming presidential election set for Thursday. During a meeting at the bloc's headquarters in Saifi, MPs Walid Baarini, Mohammad Sleiman, Abdelaziz Samad, Sagih Atieh, Ahmad Rustom and Ahmad Kheir issued a statement emphasizing the crucial need for a national consensus to elect a new head of state, a position vacant since October 2022.
The statement highlighted the urgency to prevent Lebanon's collapse, ensure its recovery and initiate necessary reforms through a unified national approach and collaboration. Given the widespread Arab and international support backing General Aoun, recognized for his aptitude in tackling current challenges, the bloc stressed the importance of swiftly moving forward with the election to avert a leadership vacuum and its adverse effects on the country.
Other Endorsements for Joseph Aoun
After meeting with the Mufti of the Republic on Wednesday, MP Fouad Makhzoumi expressed his preference for General Joseph Aoun as the next Head of State, urging Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri's backing. Makhzoumi underlined General Aoun's suitability to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701, enhance the nation's economy and fortify its judicial system.
Echoing similar sentiments, Tripoli MP Faysal Karameh, in an interview with local channel LBCI, identified General Aoun as the natural presidential candidate, citing both internal and external support for his candidacy. While emphasizing the Army's pivotal role as Lebanon's backbone and sole standing institution, Karameh indicated that the final decision on the vote rests with the National Consensus Bloc, to which he belongs, with an announcement expected within the next day.
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