Lebanon's Joseph Aoun Elected President; PM Meets Syria's New Leader, Vows to Disarm Hezbollah

Jan 11, 2025, 12:09 PM

Lebanon has elected Joseph Aoun, the army's commander and a Maronite Christian, as its new president, ending a two-year political vacuum. Aoun declared, "The era of Hezbollah is over. We will disarm all of them." Following his election, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati announced that the state would begin disarming Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, particularly in the south Litani region, to establish government authority throughout the country. Mikati visited Damascus to meet Syria's new de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, marking the first visit by a Lebanese prime minister to Syria in 15 years. During the meeting, Mikati stated, "We will cooperate with Syria to control the land borders and follow up on the demarcation of the maritime borders between the two countries." Ahmed al-Sharaa congratulated Joseph Aoun via phone, calling for building "positive relations" between the two countries. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi congratulated Aoun on his election and expressed support for stronger ties with Lebanon. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed also congratulated Aoun, affirming support for Lebanon's security and stability.