Aoun ready to assume the Lebanese presidency
Lebanon, Politics, 6/16/2005

The elected Lebanese parliamentarian Michael Aoun on Wednesday expressed his readiness to assume the post of the President of the Lebanese Republic in case there will be a consensus on his political program and the evacuation of the current President Emil Lahoud.

Aoun, who achieved a great victory in the third phase of the legislative elections which took place on Sunday, said in press statements that he inspires to implement his program and will seek to preside over the country.

But Aoun who returned back to Lebanon in May, after 14 years in his exile in Paris, repeated his opposition to demands by certain sides to the resignation of the Lebanese President Emil Lahoud before a successor is chosen. He expressed his readiness to assume this post under the condition of guaranteeing an "honorable exit for all." The Lebanese opposition hopes to get, in the current legislative elections, a majority of two thirds at the parliament. A matter which permits the constitution to end Lahoud's term of office which lasts two more years.

Aoun promises to deal with corruption in the Lebanese establishments as he demands an international investigation to the total Lebanese debt estimated at 34 billion dollars ( 185 percent of the total GNP).

Concerning the dismantling of Hizbullah weapons, according to UN Security Council resolution 1559, Aoun stresses that this should be made through dialogue with the Hizbullah party, according to Lebanese priorities rather than agenda prescribed from the outside.

However, Aoun said that Lebanon cannot have two armies, considering that this is not acceptable for the unity of the country nor for its dignity. He said that Hizbullah can continue the struggle against Israel by political, economic and cultural means and that dismantling its weapons should be a decision to be unanimously approved by the Lebanese Cabinet.

Previous Stories:
  Sfeir calls for best relations with Syria   (6/15/2005)
  Hariri launches campaign from Tripoli   (6/15/2005)
  Washington satisfied with the Lebanese elections   (6/14/2005)
  Aoun aspires to expand his victories to the north   (6/14/2005)
  Aoun achieves victories in the Mount area, looks forward to the north   (6/14/2005)

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