EU Says Aoun Election Opens Way for 'Constructive Dialogue' among Parties

European Union diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini announced Monday that the election of Michel Aoun as president of Lebanon “opens the way for all political parties to now engage in constructive dialogue.”

"The election of Michel Aoun as President of the Republic of Lebanon more than two years after the end of term of his predecessor is crucial for the future of the country. Lebanon is confronted by many challenges, starting with the conflict in neighboring Syria, and is giving hospitality to hundreds of thousands of refugees,” Mogherini said in a statement.

“Today's election of the President opens the way for all political parties to now engage in constructive dialogue and share the responsibility to address the longstanding institutional crisis and the needs of the Lebanese citizens,” she added.

“As the European Union, we remain fully committed to support Lebanon in all fields, and in particular on the refugee crisis,” Mogherini pledged.

She said national unity based on the Constitution, the Taef Accord, the Baabda Declaration and commitment to relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions, including resolution 1701, remain “crucial for the future of Lebanon.”

“The new government will have to guarantee the stability of the country in this new political phase while adopting the necessary social and economic measures for the sake of all Lebanese,” Mogherini added.

“The upcoming 2017 parliamentary elections will be another key moment for Lebanon's democracy. The legislative framework should be agreed in a constructive spirit. The European Union stands ready to support them and will deploy an election observation mission upon invitation of the Lebanese authorities,” the EU official went on to say.

She also praised the role of Prime Minister Tammam Salam and Speaker Nabih Berri during “the period of institutional crisis” and commended the role of the army and all security agencies in “providing security during this time.”

“Lebanon has proven its resilience in many difficult circumstances: the European Union has always been, is and will stay at its side," Mogherini added.

Earlier in the day, Lebanese lawmakers ended a lengthy political vacuum by electing as president ex-army chief Aoun, who promised to protect the country from spillover from the war in Syria.

Syria's five-year war has been a major fault line for Lebanon's political class, and analysts have warned Aoun's election will not be a "magic wand" for divisions that have long plagued parliamentarians.

The next challenge will be forming a government, which is expected to take months of wrangling.

Presidential media office chief Rafik Chlala told reporters consultations on naming a premier would begin within 48 hours.

The parliament that elected Aoun has twice extended its own mandate, avoiding elections, because of disagreements over a new electoral law.

Aoun 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.

Aoun was tipped to become president after receiving key support for his nomination earlier this month from al-Mustaqbal Movement leader ex-PM Saad Hariri, who is close to Saudi Arabia.