Joseph Aoun

What Form of Government for Nawaf Salam?

The Lebanese, as well as the international community, notably the five nations making up the Quintet Committee (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, France, the United States and Qatar), are closely monitoring the formation of a government to be led by Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam. Informed political sources maintain that the government’s formation is ...

Al-Rai: It Is Time to Move Beyond Pessimism

Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai has called for a shift away from pessimism, expressing hope for a brighter future for Lebanon. Speaking from the presidential palace in Baabda after his meeting with President Joseph Aoun on Wednesday, Patriarch al-Rai highlighted the president’s wishes to swiftly form an inclusive government provided that all ...

Amal and Hezbollah Will Boycott Parliamentary Consultations

The Amal and Hezbollah blocs declared its decision to abstain from participating in the non-binding parliamentary consultations scheduled by Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam on Wednesday to form his government. During an interview with the local channel LBCI on Wednesday, MP Qassem Hachem, affiliated with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, ...

Nawaf Salam Begins Consultations with Former Prime Ministers

Newly appointed Prime Minister Nawaf Salam made protocol visits to former Lebanese prime ministers on Tuesday, starting with caretaker PM Najib Mikati. Following their brief meeting, Mikati remarked, “We discussed current issues, but due to his protocol tour, the meeting was concise. We agreed to reconvene later, and I wish him success in ...

Moody’s Economic Growth Projections for Lebanon

The US-based agency indicated that the election of President Joseph Aoun will pave the way for the formation of a fully empowered new government, with Aoun benefiting from the backing of international donors. The international agency noted that the Lebanese economy contracted by approximately 10% in 2024 but anticipates a recovery in economic ...

No More Palestinian Weapons Outside Refugee Camps

The issue of Palestinian weapons outside the refugee camps was discussed in a meeting that brought together the Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee and Palestinian factions. At the end of the meeting, it was announced that the matter was settled and that no more arms existed outside the camps.   The meeting, held at the Grand Serail on ...

Salam Vows Full Implementation of 1701, Justice for Beirut Port Victims

In his first declaration after being nominated, Prime Minister designate Nawaf Salam emphasized the importance of restoring the state’s authority across all of Lebanon in accordance with the Taif Agreement. He also highlighted the need for the full implementation of UN Resolution 1701 and related ceasefire provisions, and securing Israel’s ...

The Shiite Duo Concedes to Regional Shifts by Electing Joseph Aoun

“I did not come to engage in politics, but to build a state that can only be founded on justice and equality for all its components.” This statement, delivered by General Joseph Aoun, Lebanon's first president after its centenary, during his first official meeting with a congratulatory delegation, succinctly summarizes his vision and ...

UAE Embassy Reopens in Lebanon: A Diplomatic Milestone

The reopening of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Embassy in Beirut, following a two-year closure, marks a significant milestone in the diplomatic ties between the two nations. This symbolic and strategic move, welcomed by the Lebanese government, heralds a new phase of cooperation and dialogue. What led to this decision, and what are its ...

President Aoun Says Government Formation Will Be 'Smooth and Quick'

Following the appointment of Judge Nawaf Salam as Lebanon’s Prime Minister (PM), President Joseph Aoun spoke to journalists outside the presidential palace on Monday, expressing his hope that the subsequent formation of the government would be “smooth and quick.” “We have plenty of work ahead of us,” he added. At the end of a long ...

Arab League Secretary-General Meets Lebanese Leaders: 'Progress Will Be Swift'

Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League, praised President Joseph Aoun’s election and voiced confidence that Lebanon is “poised for rapid progress unlike anything witnessed in recent years.” During his visit to Lebanon, Aboul Gheit underscored the urgency of forming a new government and extended an invitation for President ...