Joseph Aoun Elected President of Lebanon: A Turning Point Among Regional Shifts

Vatican City, January 14, 2025: General Joseph Aoun, a Maronite Catholic, was elected President of Lebanon on January 9, bringing to an end a 26-month presidential vacuum in the country. This pivotal development, backed by Saudi Arabia and the United States, brings new hope amidst the political and economic turmoil in Lebanon. The election also coincides with a change in regime in Syria, offering prospects for regional stability.

In an interview with Vatican News’ Olivier Bonnel on January 9, Lebanon's Ambassador to the Holy See, His Excellency Mr. Ghady El-Khoury, expressed optimism for Lebanon’s recovery and gratitude for Pope Francis’ unwavering support for the “Land of Cedars.”

Speaking about Aoun’s election, El-Khoury remarked, “He is the most trusted by the Lebanese, inspiring the most confidence for stability.” He credited the Vatican’s diplomacy for helping to resolve the political stalemate, adding, “We must be grateful for this," noting the constant concern of the Holy See and Pope Francis for Lebanon.”

Aoun’s election, which came after a prolonged political deadlock, was made possible by shifting dynamics after a recent all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah. His swearing-in speech on January 9 outlined Lebanon’s urgent priorities, including consolidating arms under state control and limiting the responsibility of confronting Israel to the Lebanese Army.

The president also prioritized improving ties with Syria. In one of his first actions as President, he sent caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati to Damascus on January 11 to meet Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in a bid to improve long-fraught ties. The trip was the first visit by a Lebanese PM to neighbouring Syria in 15 years.

Ambassador El-Khoury described Aoun as “the right man at the right place at the right moment” and also underscored the broader significance of Aoun’s presidency for both Christians and Muslims in Lebanon. “Among Christians in the Middle East, there is a belief that ‘If Lebanese Christians are doing well, everyone is doing well.’ It is also crucial for Muslims to have Christians in Lebanon. Many friends tell me that Lebanon without Christians would lose all its value,” El-Khoury said.

During the interview, El-Khoury also expressed cautious optimism about the recent regime change in Syria, highlighting that stability in Syria is essential for Lebanon's recovery. Given the deep ties between the two nations, “a stable Syria would positively impact Lebanon,” he said, adding that it would allow both countries to shift focus from conflict to addressing severe socio-economic challenges and the humanitarian crisis plaguing their people.

Turning to Lebanon’s internal challenges, El-Khoury said that stability in the southern regions of the country, resolving border disputes with Israel, and initiating reconstruction projects in war-torn areas must be immediate priorities. He also stressed the urgency of economic reforms and modernizing of the Lebanese Armed Forces. “These are daunting tasks,” he admitted, “but we must tackle them simultaneously to rebuild Lebanon’s future.”

Courtesy: Vatican News