President Joseph Aoun expressed cautious optimism on Thursday regarding several sensitive national issues, including Hezbollah’s weapons, judicial reform and economic recovery, pointing to a newfound political harmony within the government.
According to MP Sagih Atieh, who met with the president, Aoun said that Hezbollah had shown “a great deal of flexibility” regarding its weapons, indicating a willingness to cooperate “according to a specific timeline.” He called on all political forces to “reciprocate this positivity with understanding and engagement with the new reality in the country.”
Aoun also affirmed that municipal elections would be held on schedule, emphasizing “full cooperation” with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. “There is great harmony on appointments, laws and decrees in a spirit of partnership we have not seen before,” the president said. He noted that the government had already made substantial progress in just six weeks, fueling hope for the resolution of longstanding political and economic challenges.
For his part, MP Atieh echoed the president’s optimism, praising his “dynamism and wisdom” in navigating complex issues. “We are entering a new era for Lebanon, one that promises a major renaissance built on the country’s capabilities,” he said.
Lebanese Businessmen and Businesswomen Association
Moreover, President Aoun met with a delegation from the association of Lebanese businessmen and businesswomen (RDCL), led by Nicolas Bou Khater. He reaffirmed his commitment to rebuilding state institutions, restoring citizens’ trust, and renewing ties with Arab and international partners.
Aoun emphasized the crucial role of the private sector in Lebanon’s recovery, noting its historical importance in national reconstruction.
Additionally, the president reiterated that upcoming appointments, including those to the Council for Development and Reconstruction, would be made strictly on the basis of merit. He pointed out that he had already signed off on the appointments to the Supreme Judicial Council, all of whom met this standard.
Describing judicial reform as the “main pillar of national reform,” Aoun said the completion of the Supreme Judicial Council would pave the way for broader judicial formations. “Nations cannot be built without a sound judiciary,” he stated.
He also urged the media and public to focus on the positive signs emerging in Lebanon, especially in tourism and economic performance. “We must have faith in our national causes, because no cause can succeed without belief,” he concluded.
On Thursday, Aoun also received the Vice President for Studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Dr. Marwan Muasher, and MP Ashraf Rifi.
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