Michel Aoun Hailed As Lebanese New President

MEP: Michel Aoun, a charismatic retired general, polarizing Christian politician and ally to Hezbollah, has selected as president of Lebanon on Monday morning, ending more than two years of political deadlock in the country.

Aoun gained 83 votes out of the 127 deputies attending Monday’s second round of voting.

Mr. Aoun, 81, has developed a fervent political base of supporters who consider him a last hope for the country’s dwindling Maronite Christian community.

Meanwhile, the Lebanese Resistance movement Hezbollah and the Syrian government have congratulated Aoun over his presidency.

Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah phoned Aoun and congratulated him over his election as the head of state, a statement released by Hezbollah on Monday as saying.

“Nasrallah wished Aoun a long life and good luck with his national responsibilities,” added the statement.

Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad also congratulated his new Lebanese counterpart and voiced hopes that Aoun’s election would “contribute to reinforcing stability in Lebanon and to bringing about a better future for the Lebanese people.”

Aoun was elected as Lebanon’s 13th president since the country gained independence from France in 1943.