Army chief Joseph Aoun: Jumblat's candidate and Gemayel's friend

Former Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat has announced along with the Democratic Gathering bloc that they would endorse Army chief Gen. Joseph Aoun in a presidential vote scheduled for January 9.

The bloc and Jumblat were the first to announce their official candidate. But why did Jumblat decide to support Aoun?

"Aoun represents an important institution and has done an excellent work for the stability of Lebanon," Jubmlat said. "He is very important at this stage for the stability and security of Lebanon."

The Lebanese army, widely respected and a rare source of unity in a country riven by sectarian and political divides, has recently deployed troops and tanks across the country's south after a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon went into effect in late November.

Under the terms of the ceasefire, the Lebanese army and U.N. peacekeepers are to become the only armed presence in south Lebanon, where Hezbollah has long held sway.

Hezbollah said it was cooperating with the army.

While Hezbollah and ally Amal want a president who would protect Hezbollah's presence and its right to defend Lebanon, the opposition forces want the total opposite, they want Hezbollah disarmed and only the army to defend Lebanon and be present across the country including in the south, bordering Israel.

"We want a president committed to the ceasefire agreement and we want only the Lebanese army to have weapons," Kataeb leader Sami Gemayel said, although his party and other opposition blocs have not yet agreed on a candidate.

During the 60-day first phase of the U.S.-French brokered ceasefire deal, Hezbollah and Israeli forces are to withdraw from south Lebanon, and the Lebanese military is to step in. Thus, the ceasefire calls for the implementation of Resolution 1701.

In 2006, the United Nations Security Council unanimously voted for a resolution to end a bruising monthlong war between Israel and Hezbollah and pave the way for lasting security along the border. Israeli forces would fully withdraw from Lebanese territories while the Lebanese army and UNIFIL — Hezbollah excluded — would be the exclusive armed presence south of Lebanon's Litani River. The Lebanese state would have full sovereignty over its south.

Resolution 1701's terms were never fully enforced. The ceasefire reached in November calls for its implementation.

"There are still ongoing consultations between the opposition forces," Gemayel said, adding that Aoun is a "friend" with common national values. "But we will not announce any candidate before the end of consultations."