Emile Lahoud elected president unanimously by Lebanese parliament
Lebanon, Politics, 10/16/1998

In his first speech after being elected on Thursday as President of Lebanon, Emil Lahoud hailed the Lebanese national resistance and its martyrs, and asserted the cohesion between the Syrian and Lebanese peace tracks in order to reach a just solution and the withdrawal of the Israeli occupation troops.

He said "On this day I hail the steadfastness of our people in the south and the western Bekaa in their support of their army in resisting the Israeli occupation. I bow before the souls of the martyrs who died in defense of the right and the honor. I tell them you are in the very conscience of the homeland and the interest of the government until occupation is eliminated."

The Lebanese President-elect added: "Today, thankfully, the Lebanese Parliament entrusted in me by the majority of its members a dear confidence by electing me as President of the Lebanese Republic. It is the confidence of all the Lebanese people entrusted in me and I realize the volume of responsibility I have to shoulder."

Later in the day, outgoing Lebanese President Elias Hrawi received President-elect Lahoud and Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. President Hrawi expressed best wishes for Lahoud's success.

US State Department Spokesman James Rubin said the US welcomed Lahoud's election, noting that Lahoud was credited with restoring the Lebanese armed forces, adding that, "This same energy and determination will be required as he and the government of Lebanon work together to build and reinforce state institutions and continue the process of national reconciliation and reconstruction."

He added, "We look forward to working with the President-elect upon his assumption of office next month."

The French Foreign Ministry's spokesperson said, "France warmly congratulates President Lahoud, and wishes him much success. We are confident that the very close relationship between France and Lebanon will keep its intensity, and grow in a friendly and trusting environment. "

Earlier, the Lebanese Parliament elected the commander of the Lebanese Army, Gen. Emile Lahoud, as the new president of Lebanon by a vote of 118 out of 118 parliament members who attended the poll.

Members of the National Struggle bloc led by Walid Jumblatt did not attend the session held for the election of the new president. The only parliament member from the bloc, Zaher al-Khatib, attended the session and voted for Lahoud.

Also absent was former Lebanese Premier Omar Karami, who said in a statement that he supported the election of Gen. Lahoud to the presidency.

Previous Stories:
  Lahoud elected as Lebanese president   (10/15/1998)
  Lebanese parliament amends constitution   (10/14/1998)
  Lebanese Cabinet propose amending constitution for presidential election   (10/9/1998)

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