Sayegh: Joseph Aoun's Election Marks Lebanon's Shift to a "Third Independence"

In an interview with MTV, Kataeb Lawmaker Selim Sayegh said the electoral process was cumulative, meaning there was no premeditated scenario planned from start to finish.

He highlighted that one of the most significant steps was the Former leader of the Progressive Socialist Party Walid Jumblatt's announcement of his nomination of General Joseph Aoun, which led to the crystallization of this orientation within the opposition and subsequently Kataeb's declaration of support for this candidacy to accelerate the process.

He noted that many hesitant and ambiguous parliamentary blocs have yet to declare their voting intentions.

He also revealed that the presidential election session was convened without any prior consensus or a set timeline for concluding the matter.

Sayegh emphasized that no party in Parliament can offer anything to the other, and the sole party directly concerned with the presidency lacks representatives to speak on its behalf in Parliament.

He noted that if anyone were to propose something, it would be General Joseph Aoun, who has not put forward any propositions, as evidenced by his inauguration speech.

" When the Kataeb Party nominated Jihad Azour, he secured 59 votes. It had hoped for Parliament to remain open for a second round, allowing for the accumulation of votes as stipulated by the constitution, which did not happen," he stated.

He explained that when the Kataeb nominated Jihad Azour as an alternative to Michel Moawad, it was not intended as a challenge to the opposing camp but as an effort to identify a candidate who could garner broader support. However, their move was met with the obstruction of parliamentary sessions.

"Subsequently, the Kataeb transitioned to nominating General Aoun, who received 71 votes in the first round. Their calculations had indicated he would secure approximately 74 to 75 votes or more," he added.

He pointed out that the blank ballots were intended to allow room for negotiation between sessions.

Sayegh clarified that neither Lebanese Forces Leader Samir Geagea nor the opposition engaged in negotiations with the opposing camp, with each party ultimately acting independently.

Regarding the candidate for the premiership, Sayegh stated: "We stand with the President and the institution of the presidency. The inaugural speech is compelling, and we are at the forefront of this battle. Therefore, we must do everything possible to ensure its success. As for the names of Fouad Makhzoumi and Ashraf Rifi, they are part of the opposition, but no one should monopolize the decision. There must be consultation regarding the choice of candidate."

Sayegh affirmed that the President, the Prime Minister, and Parliament are chosen through consensus among all blocs, stressing that the Kataeb Party did not nominate Najib Mikati.

In response to a question, he expressed hope for granting the government exceptional powers, noting that the country can no longer endure the status quo.

He emphasized that the Kataeb Party was among the first to call for the establishment of two additional airports. While the Kleyaat and Hamat airports are semi-operational, this does not mean accepting the current state of Beirut Airport.

He insisted that all airports must meet proper safety standards.

He asserted that the election of Joseph Aoun has moved Lebanon out of the pro-resistance axis and into a "third independence."

He stressed that the primary goal is to save Lebanon, which requires seeking assistance from the United Nations and the international community, given the destruction caused by internal actors who provoked Israeli retaliation and devastation.