On January 5, 2025, Egyptian and Lebanese foreign ministers discussed Lebanon’s upcoming presidential election and the need for a national consensus. They highlighted the political situation in Syria, advocating for self-determination and integrity. The Lebanese Parliament is scheduled to meet on January 9 to elect a new president, as Lebanon faces ongoing political instability following a long vacancy since October 2022.
On January 5, 2025, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Badr Abdelatty, conversed with Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib concerning the political landscape of Lebanon as the date for electing a new president approaches. Abdelatty reiterated the importance of fostering a national consensus, emphasizing that any solutions should be purely Lebanese without foreign intervention. Additionally, the ministers engaged in dialogue about Syria’s political and security scenarios, advocating for the preservation of Syrian sovereignty and self-determination in its political transition. The Lebanese Parliament is set to convene on January 9 to address the presidential vacancy, which has persisted since Michel Aoun’s term ended in October 2022, stemming from Lebanon’s National Pact that designates specific sectarian roles within the government.
Lebanon is experiencing a prolonged political void as it has not had a president since October 2022 following Michel Aoun’s departure from office. This political paralysis is compounded by ongoing turmoil in the region, particularly concerning Syria and the recent volatile exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah that have significantly impacted Lebanese citizens. The upcoming session of the Lebanese Parliament is critical, as it will determine the next president amid challenges posed by sectarian divisions ingrained in Lebanon’s political framework defined by the National Pact.
The phone discussion between the foreign ministers of Egypt and Lebanon highlights the urgency of addressing Lebanon’s political ambiguity and the ongoing humanitarian crisis resulting from regional conflicts. A successful election on January 9 is pivotal for Lebanon’s stability and requires collaboration among national factions, free from external influences. Furthermore, the situation in Syria remains a significant concern, stressing the importance of internal governance free from external pressures.
Original Source: www.egypttoday.com
