Aoun Pledges 'Independent Foreign Policy', Vows to Protect Lebanon from Regional 'Fires'
President Michel Aoun pledged in his oath of office on Monday to endorse an "independent foreign policy" and to protect Lebanon from "the fires burning across the region."
Delivering the oath in parliament shortly after he was elected by the legislature as Lebanon's 13th president, Aoun stressed the need to “fully implement the (1989) Document of National Accord without any selectivity or exceptions” and to “improve it when needed through national consensus.”
“The first prerequisite of real equal (Christian-Muslim) power-sharing is the approval of an electoral law that ensures fair representation before the date of the next elections,” he added.
Referring to the conflicts in Syria and the region, Aoun said “preventing the spread of any spark” into Lebanon is among his top priorities as president.
“Accordingly, we stress the need to respect the charter of the Arab League, especially Article 8, while endorsing an independent foreign policy based on Lebanon's highest interest and respect for international law,” the elected president added.
Turning to the conflict with Israel, Aoun said: “We will spare no effort or resistance to liberate any Lebanese territory that is still under occupation or to protect our country from an enemy that still has ambitions regarding our land, water and national resources.”
As for the anti-terror fight, Aoun vowed a “preemptive and deterrent” strategy against terrorism.
“We must also address the Syrian refugee crisis through securing a quick return” for them to their country, Aoun added, stressing that “refugee encampments and gatherings must not turn into security ghettos.”
The elected president also pledged to “strengthen the army and boost its capabilities to enable it to repel all kinds of attacks on out country and so that it protects its homeland and its independence and sovereignty.”
Aoun's election ends a presidential void that lasted around two and a half years. The FPM founder was tipped to become president after his nomination was formally endorsed by al-Mustaqbal Movement leader ex-PM Saad Hariri earlier this month.
Analysts have warned his election will not be a "magic wand" for Lebanon, which has seen longstanding political divisions exacerbated by the war in neighboring Syria and has struggled to deal with an influx of more than a million Syrian refugees.
The 81-year-old former army chief had long eyed the presidency, and his candidacy was backed from the beginning by Iran-backed Hizbullah, his ally since a surprise rapprochement in 2006.
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