U.S.-Lebanon Friendship Caucus Chairs Statement on Lebanon’s Presidential Election

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16), Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48), and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) - bipartisan Co-Chairs of the US-Lebanon Friendship Caucus issued the following statement on the Lebanese Parliament's election of a new President, General Joseph Aoun. <_u53a_p><_o3a_p>

"Today is a great day for the people of Lebanon. After 22 months without a constitutionally elected president, the Lebanese Parliament elected the Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, General Joseph Aoun to be President of Lebanon," said Rep. LaHood."I strongly believe that under President Aoun, the country will chart a new path forward as a sovereign, independent, and prosperous nation. I am thankful that Members of the Lebanese Parliament fulfilled their constitutional duty in electing a president who will provide a better future for the people of their country."<_o3a_p>

<_u53a_p>

"The United States should be delighted that after two long years of unnecessary delay, Lebanon has a new president. The selection of Joseph Aoun gives new hope to the Lebanese people - particularly of the Christian community - but hope is not enough. Energy, action, and decisive diplomacy to stabilize Lebanon and begin long overdue reforms at this challenging time must be the immediate priority of this incoming government," said Rep. Issa."While it is encouraging that both the Department of State and the Department of Defense considered General Aoun a trusted ally in the region, as Ronald Reagan said: Trust, but verify. I look forward to general's transition from military officer to citizen leader." <_o3a_p>

<_u53a_p>

"Today's election signals a new beginning for Lebanon, its institutions, and people," said Rep. Dingell. "As co-chair of the Lebanese Friendship Caucus, I look forward to the U.S. working with President Elect Aoun towards economic stability, security, and peace for the country." <_o3a_p>

<_u53a_p>

Background: <_o3a_p>

<_u53a_p>

Lebanon has been without a constitutionally elected president for 22 months. On January 9, 2025, the Lebanese Parliament elected the U.S.-backed Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, General Joseph Aoun to be the President of Lebanon. The parliament elected General Aoun on the 2nd round of voting with an overwhelming majority. President-elect Aoun has been the head of the Lebanese military since 2017. <_u53a_p><_o3a_p>

### <_o3a_p>

<_u53a_p>

Permalink: https://lahood.house.gov/2025/1/u-s-lebanon-friendship-caucus-chairs-statement-on-lebanon-s-presidential-election