Lebanon's parliament elected army commander Joseph Aoun as president on Thursday, ending a presidential void that had lasted over two years, reports AP.
This marked the 13th attempt by the legislature to choose a successor to former President Michel Aoun — who is unrelated to the army commander — following the end of his term in October 2022.
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The vote took place just weeks after a fragile ceasefire agreement brought a 14-month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah to a halt. It also came at a time when Lebanon's leaders are seeking international aid for reconstruction efforts.
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Aoun was widely considered the preferred choice of both the United States and Saudi Arabia, whose support Lebanon will require to ensure Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon, as outlined in the agreement, and to secure funding for rebuilding after the war.