WANA (Jan 11) – The Iranian Ambassador to Beirut, Mojtaba Amani, referred to the Lebanese Parliament’s vote on Joseph Aoun’s presidency. He said that after the first round of voting in Parliament, the supporters of the resistance held discussions with Joseph Aoun, ultimately reaching an agreement ensuring that their interests would also be considered during his presidency.

 

Amani addressed questions about Lebanon’s situation following the selection of a new president. He mentioned the developments leading to Parliament’s session yesterday, called by Speaker Nabih Berri. This session had been scheduled for three weeks, with ambassadors invited to attend. The process in Lebanon isn’t a simple introduction of a single candidate. Various factions negotiate and reach consensus on their choice. The session started at 11:00 a.m. and, after speeches, the voting began. Aoun received 71 votes, falling short of the 86-vote threshold.

 

The ambassador explained that since no candidate met the required threshold, a second vote was held. During this interval, resistance supporters reached a compromise with Aoun. The agreement entailed considering their interests in his presidency. This resulted in his receiving 99 votes during the second session at 2:00 p.m., securing his presidency.

 

U.S. and France’s Solo Push Failed

Amani noted the broader implications of this outcome. He said it sent a message to the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and France, who believed they could push their candidate through unilaterally, only to discover the necessity of compromise. Lebanon’s sectarian system requires consensus across its 18 factions—from various Christian groups to Sunni and Shia factions. Under this framework, Joseph Aoun emerged as the compromise candidate with 99 votes.

 

Joseph Aoun’s Positive Record with Hezbollah

Commenting on Aoun’s background, Amani said Lebanon’s president must engage with all factions. Joseph Aoun, as Army Commander, maintained a positive relationship with Hezbollah and the resistance. He managed sensitive incidents like the Kahaleh case—a truck carrying Hezbollah’s ammunition overturned, and the army safely transferred it to a military base before ultimately returning it to Hezbollah. Aoun handled this diplomatically, maintaining Hezbollah’s trust.

U.S. and Israel Preferred Samir Geagea

Amani revealed that the U.S. and Israel pushed for Samir Geagea, a staunchly pro-Israel figure, as their candidate. However, Geagea garnered little support, with only 30-40 initial votes. Realizing his lack of viability, they shifted to backing Joseph Aoun, likely hoping that Hezbollah’s allies would seek guarantees from him.

 

Amani confirmed that Hezbollah does not perceive Aoun, despite his military background, as an enemy. Rivalries exist among Lebanese Christian factions, such as the Free Patriotic Movement and Lebanese Forces, but these do not impact resistance-commander relations, especially during conflicts. Hezbollah had another civilian candidate, Suleiman Frangieh, who could have won with 65 votes but failed to garner sufficient support.

 

Resistance is Indispensable in Lebanon

Asked about claims that Aoun is close to the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, Amani stressed the enduring role of resistance. Hezbollah, Amal, and some Sunni and Christian figures see resistance as integral to Lebanon’s survival, especially after Syria’s crisis. The sectarian system ensures Hezbollah and Amal cannot be excluded. Resistance might face challenges depending on the prime minister and cabinet selections, but four Shia ministers are guaranteed.

 

Psychological War from Israel

Responding to claims that Lebanon’s resistance lost influence with Joseph Aoun’s presidency, Amani described it as psychological warfare. Following the Lebanon-Israel agreement, Israel amplified minor issues. For example, Israel’s foreign minister tweeted congratulations on Aoun’s presidency, which Amani dismissed as propaganda to project victory. The agreement was not one-sided; days before, Hezbollah had launched 350 rockets and drones, demonstrating its strength.

 

Amani rejected claims of Hezbollah’s weakening, responding to a foreign diplomat’s assertion that “80% of Hezbollah’s power is gone” by questioning why Israel didn’t eliminate the remaining 20%. Resistance’s necessity remains evident, as noted by Hassan Nasrallah in 2007, when he declared that without a strong Lebanese government and army, Hezbollah must retain its arms for defense.