the American envoy in Beirut to strengthen the ceasefire and influence the presidential election – RT in French

Joe Biden’s envoy was once again in Beirut to support the ceasefire between the Israeli army and Hezbollah. Amos Hoschtein’s visit also takes place in the context of the presidential election in Lebanon. The American envoy supports the candidacy of army chief Joseph Khalil Aoun.

Joe Biden’s emissary arrived in Beirut on January 6 to secure the achievements of the ceasefire between Hezbollah and the Israeli army, but also to influence the Lebanese presidential election.

During his meetings with Lebanese leaders, Amos Hoschtein discussed the consolidation of the ceasefire, Hezbollah’s commitment to implement the agreement and withdraw its weapons south of the Litani River, as well as the holding of the presidential election, even in the absence of an internal consensus, reported The Orient-The Day.

The American diplomat even unambiguously mentioned the name of Joseph Khalil Aoun, commander in chief of the Lebanese army, to take on the role of future head of state in the Land of the Cedar.

Lebanon has indeed been without a president since the end of Michel Aoun’s mandate on October 31, 2022. A parliamentary session must take place on January 9 for the 120 Lebanese deputies to vote to elect the president.

Paris in the footsteps of Washington

Amos Hoschtein also spoke with the person concerned. General Aoun stands out as the favorite of the five powers involved in the Lebanese issue (France, United States, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt), added the Lebanese daily.

In this capacity, the American envoy visited Qatar and Saudi Arabia to ensure a common position on the Lebanese presidential issue.

Nevertheless, the question remains of knowing what the positioning of the Shiite tandem will be with regard to the head of the army. Amal and Hezbollah had previously set their sights on the candidacy of Zghorta Sleiman Frangié, an ally of the Assad family.

However, on January 5, a senior official of the pro-Iranian militia, Wafic Safa, declared that “a veto” would only be put in the event of the candidacy of Samir Geagea, president of the Lebanese Forces. A media release which is seen as an implicit green light for the appointment of the leader of the Lebanese armies as head of state.

The question of the Lebanese presidential election is also on the menu of Jean-Yves Le Drian’s regional tour. The Elysée envoy is expected in Beirut on January 7 to support the American position.