ALBAWABA - Today, Joseph Aoun welcomed temporary Prime Minister Najib Mikati to the Baabda Presidential Palace in his first formal appearance as President of Lebanon. Following his election, he is scheduled to meet Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, who will be the first foreign leader to visit Aoun.
"I congratulated President Aoun and wished him success," Mikati told reporters after the meeting, expressing his hope. We spoke about the job done during this difficult time by the caretaker administration.
Aoun asked Mikati to continue managing governmental activities until a new administration was established, Mikati acknowledged. Mikati said, "There are constitutional procedures for parliamentary consultations," in response to a question about his possible reappointment. We value all political perspectives.
"We need a government that can work tirelessly to rescue the nation." He underlined the need of establishing a competent administration and a thorough national recovery plan.
Mikati responded to Aoun's inauguration statements about the restriction of guns to state officials by saying, "It is expected for the President to affirm that arms should only be in the hands of the state." He said, "We are entering a new phase where disarming areas south of the Litani River and ensuring full state control over Lebanese territory are priorities."
In announcing his travel to Lebanon, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides emphasized his strong friendship with Aoun, which dates back to Aoun's days as army commander. Christodoulides emphasized Cyprus' position as an EU country ready to help with Middle Eastern issues.
According to a spokesman for the Cypriot administration, the meeting will discuss internal difficulties in Lebanon and express Cyprus' willingness to assist Lebanon and improve bilateral ties.
