Joseph Aoun

Hezbollah and the Upcoming Phase

Hezbollah’s participation in the government, whether directly or indirectly, raises many questions about its political role in the coming period and whether it will contribute to Lebanon’s openness, reform, economic recovery and reconstruction. Some argue that the group’s position after the war with Israel has rendered its presence in the ...

The Battle for the 'Time' Factor

The (highly relative) calm preceding the storm? A worrying question is likely on everyone’s lips — especially on the eve of the crucial meeting between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, set for Tuesday, February 4, in Washington. The course of events in the coming months will largely hinge on the outcome of ...

Rai Reiterates Aoun's Inauguration Speech as a Call for Political Reform

In his Sunday sermon in Bkerke, Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai urged Lebanon’s leaders to break free from personal interests and political deadlock, referring to the formation of the government. He called for a return to the principles outlined in the Constitution and National Pact (Taif Agreement). He stressed that Lebanon’s governance crisis ...

Employees of Rafik Hariri Hospital Suspend Strike After Partial Salary Payment

After more than a month of protests, employees at Rafik Hariri Governmental University Hospital have suspended their open sit-in and will resume work on Monday, February 3, 2025. The decision follows the receipt of the December 2024 salary and a partial payment of their current dues. In a statement, the Employees' Committee expressed gratitude to ...

Salam: Government Formation Imminent Despite Obstacles

Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam assured on Wednesday that “a new Lebanese government will be formed soon.” Following a meeting with President Joseph Aoun, Salam told reporters that while obstacles remain, they “will soon be overcome.” He stressed his commitment to a flexible approach in negotiations, stating that the new government ...

Aoun Meets with World Bank VP, Reaffirms Commitment to Reforms

President Joseph Aoun reiterated on Wednesday Lebanon’s readiness to implement the necessary reforms, as outlined in his inaugural address. During a meeting with Ousmane Dione, the World Bank’s Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa, President Aoun emphasized that one of the primary objectives of the new government will be to ...

US Lawmakers Urge Lebanese Leaders to 'End Hezbollah’s Influence'

In an open letter sent on Tuesday, US lawmakers Darin LaHood and Darrell Issa, co-chairs of the US-Lebanon Friendship Caucus in the House of Representatives, urged Lebanese leaders to end Hezbollah’s influence on the country’s political and security landscape. The letter, addressed to President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister-designate Nawaf ...

CCLC Backs New Lebanese Leadership and Urges Reforms

The Lebanese-Canadian Coordination Committee (CCLC) has emphasized the need to end Iranian control of arms as a crucial condition to unlock global support for Lebanon. The CCLC expressed strong support for newly elected President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister-designate Judge Nawaf Salam, praising their potential to restore sovereignty, combat ...

Lebanon Nominates Mustapha Adib as Candidate to International Court of Justice

Lebanon's Ambassador to Germany and UNESCO, Mustapha Adib, was officially nominated by Lebanon on Tuesday for membership on the International Court of Justice (ICJ), following instructions from President Joseph Aoun. This nomination follows Judge Nawaf Salam's resignation from the ICJ after accepting the role of Prime Minister-designate to form ...

Aoun: The Deposit Issue Calls for Coordinated Efforts

The President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun, emphasized that resolving the issue of deposits requires “coordinated efforts.” He made these comments during a discussion with a delegation from the Association of Banks in Lebanon (ABL), led by its president, Salim Sfeir. President Aoun stated that “resolving the banking crisis requires ...

Southern Lebanon Residents Return Amid Ongoing Israeli Attacks

South Lebanon residents accompanied by the army tried to return to their villages on Monday, a day after Israeli fire killed more than 20 people in the area, even though the Israeli withdrawal deadline was extended until February 18. Dozens of vehicles carrying families headed towards border towns, a day after hundreds tried unsuccessfully ...