Kataeb MP Salim Sayegh has confirmed that the party is backing Lebanese Army Commander General Joseph Aoun for the presidency, saying that a final position will be reached tomorrow within the opposition to rally the widest possible support among lawmakers for this nomination.

"General Joseph Aoun is unquestionably a figure who enjoys both domestic and international confidence," Sayegh said in an interview with Al-Hadath channel. "He has earned the trust of friendly nations that have consistently stood by Lebanon in times of crisis and turmoil."

Sayegh criticized the entrenched political system in Lebanon, emphasizing the need to adopt a fresh approach. He argued that returning to the corrupt power-sharing model, which has undermined the nation’s stability, is no longer viable.

"Those opposing General Aoun are the same individuals unwilling to abandon the old system of patronage and sectarian favoritism," Sayegh said. "General Aoun represents the triumph of state-building mindset over clientelism."

He called on political blocs to abandon ambiguity and take a clear stance.

“If Hezbollah does not veto General Aoun’s nomination, why doesn’t it openly support him? And if Speaker Nabih Berri opposes the army commander, he should explain why,” Sayegh remarked, adding that Lebanon could no longer tolerate decisions imposed by external forces or opaque political maneuvering.

Sayegh highlighted the increasing international interest in resolving Lebanon’s crises, disclosing details of a recent meeting with U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein, who urged Lebanese leaders to elect a president aligned with international legitimacy and committed to preserving stability.

Quoting Hochstein, Sayegh said, "If you, as Lebanese, do not resolve your issues and elect a president who meets the requirements of international legitimacy—including avoiding alignment with destabilizing regional axes, terrorism, and illegal arms—we will not maintain the same level of support and involvement to secure Lebanon and its role in the regional order."

Sayegh noted that Lebanon has been without a president for over two years, attributing the impasse to the dominance of illegal arms and the destabilizing effects of regional conflicts. However, he expressed hope that the recent ceasefire agreement and an emerging international consensus could pave the way for Lebanon’s recovery.

Addressing the anticipated parliamentary sessions, Sayegh criticized Speaker Berri for past constitutional violations that have perpetuated the political stalemate.

"Berri has committed to holding consecutive sessions, but he cannot use constitutional excuses to delay the process. Berri himself has been the architect of constitutional violations and obstruction, leading us into lawlessness and chaos," Sayegh asserted. "If a clear majority of MPs express their will to elect General Aoun, all constitutional pretexts will collapse. The priority now is saving Lebanon."

He underscored the urgency of electing a president, describing it as a critical step in launching a rescue plan for Lebanon.

"The Lebanese people stand with us and will not accept further delays. The time has come to elect a president and begin the work of rebuilding our nation," Sayegh concluded.