Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty spoke with Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib on the need for national consensus ahead of Lebanon’s presidential election scheduled for January 9, 2025. They emphasized Syrian autonomy in political transitions while addressing Lebanon’s ongoing presidential vacancy since October 2022.
On January 5, 2025, the Foreign Ministers of Egypt and Lebanon, Badr Abdelatty and Abdullah Bou Habib, held a crucial phone conversation regarding the forthcoming presidential election in Lebanon. In their discussion, Minister Abdelatty emphasized the importance of cohesive cooperation among Lebanese political factions to ensure a unified national consensus and swiftly conclude the ongoing presidential vacancy without foreign interference. Moreover, the ministers addressed the complex political and security landscape in Syria, affirming the need to support the Syrian people’s wishes and maintain the state’s integrity. The Lebanese Parliament is scheduled to convene on January 9 for the presidential election, following a prolonged period of vacancy since October 2022 when Michel Aoun’s term ended.
The current political situation in Lebanon is characterized by a presidential vacancy that has persisted since Michel Aoun’s term ended in October 2022. Lebanon’s political structure is rooted in a National Pact that designates the presidency for Maronite Christians, the prime minister’s position for a Sunni Muslim, and the parliament speaker for a Shia Muslim. The urgency for a new president has increased, particularly after the recent ceasefire between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah, which highlighted the security challenges that have resulted in substantial loss of life and displacement in Lebanon.
In conclusion, the phone conversation between Egypt’s and Lebanon’s Foreign Ministers underscores the crucial role of national consensus in Lebanon’s electoral process while also highlighting the broader regional implications concerning Syria. As Lebanon prepares for its parliamentary session to elect a new president, the dialogue reflects an acknowledgment of the need for stability and collaborative efforts among Lebanese factions, free from external intervention.
Original Source: www.egypttoday.com
