BEIRUT: Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri Thursday ended a decade-old rivalry and endorsed MP Michel Aoun for the presidency, hoping his move would protect Lebanon and resolve a two-and-half-year-old crisis.
“I announce today in front of you my decision to support the candidacy of Gen. Michel Aoun for the presidency,” Hariri said during a televised speech from his home in Beirut. “This decision stems from the need to protect Lebanon, protect the system, protect the state and protect the people … the decision is based on our agreement to preserve together the system, strengthen the state, re-launch the economy and remain neutral concerning the Syrian crisis.”
The move brings Aoun a step closer to Baabda but by no means guarantees him the presidency, as he still faces stiff opposition from key political figures such as Speaker Nabih Berri. Parliament has failed to elect a head of state 45 times since the term of former President Michel Sleiman expired in 2014. The next session is scheduled for October 31.
Less than an hour after Hariri’s speech, Aoun arrived at the Center House where he was warmly welcomed by his once-arch rival. Aoun addressed the gathering media after the meeting as Hariri beamed by his side – an image thought to be impossible only few months ago.
“There are no bilateral, tripartite or quadripartite agreements. There is only one agreement to manage the affairs of the country. We came here to … Hariri to thank him for his support for the presidency and we have vowed among ourselves to complete the mission and remove Lebanon from the crisis,” Aoun said. “Whoever wants to cancel the Taif agreement … he cancels Lebanon, and this is what we have agreed on.”
The announcement is a culmination of almost a month’s work of consultations between Hariri and local figures, in addition to global and regional powers. The Center House has been buzzing with activity the past week, as the entire spectrum of political actors met with the former prime minister in anticipation of the proclamation.
“I hear what people are saying, that a group handed the country to the other group, and that some won while others lost,” Aoun said. “We didn’t come here by coincidence. We have known each other for some time now, but the circumstances were unfavorable [for an agreement]. These attempts were in the years 2005, 2006, 2007, and then 2014 in Rome and Paris. But this time the circumstances are riper.”
Lebanese Forces head Samir Geagea, once Aoun’s main Christian rival for the presidency, endorsed him earlier this year during a historic reconciliation dubbed the Maarab Agreement.
The crux of Aoun and Hariri’s deal centers on a mutual understanding that no attempts will be made to alter the National Pact or the Taif Accord. Steps to reinvigorate the economy will be instigated in addition to assurances that Lebanon will remain impartial to the Syrian civil war raging next door. The understanding would also see Hariri appointed prime minister.
After the announcement, Aoun made his way to Ain al-Tineh to meet with Berri. The FPM and the Future Movement came to their newfound alliance without any participation by Berri, as had been the norm during national dialogue sessions. After the sessions faltered last month, the FPM and the Future Movement engaged in direct talks, sidelining Berri.
Following their meeting, Aoun dispelled rumors of animosity between the speaker and himself. “Of course we ask for the support of … Berri but we have to respect his freedom of choice,” he said. “The atmosphere was friendly as usual. We came here to explain the situation, and no one can tie up the freedom of the other.”
Berri made little comment about the development. “I heard from him and he heard from me. Differences do not ruin our amicable relationship,” he said. Earlier this week, after it became apparent that Hariri would be nominating Aoun, Berri rejected the arrangement, saying that if it were to happen he would become part of the opposition.
Berri is instead supporting Marada Movement head Sleiman Frangieh for the presidency, the candidate previously suggested by Hariri himself.
The speaker is not alone. Some key Future Movement members still oppose Aoun’s ascendency, including former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, Future MPs Ahmad Fatfat, Ammar Houri, and Mohammad Qabbani, in addition to Deputy Speaker Farid Makari.
The move is expected to result in a backlash within Hariri’s base of supporters, a risk the former prime minister insists he is willing to take so long as it benefits the greater good.
“It means the Lebanese first, not the Future Movement first! It means the dignity of the citizens first, their daily bread first, their security and stability first, the future of their kids first, the protection of the state and the system first, and the protection of Lebanon,” Hariri said.
“Yes, I am taking risks without any fear, because I only fear for Lebanon, for you, for the future of our children. If my aim was popularity, it would have been much easier. I could raise my voice, wave my finger and inflame the street with cheap sectarian incitement.”
The 35th dialogue session between the Future Movement and Hezbollah representatives also convened in Ain al-Tineh. “The political developments were discussed, and those assembled confirmed their keenness on the continuity of communication between all sides to reach a unanimous national understanding,” read a statement released after the session.
The Hezbollah-affiliated Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc seemed to welcome Hariri’s initiative during a meeting earlier in the afternoon.
“We have noticed positive developments lately, which we welcome with the hopes that the presidential crisis is coming to an end,” read a statement by the bloc released after the conclusion of their weekly gathering.
“The openness and mutual positive interaction between the representatives of political constituents … is something that is required now more than ever, and it should crystalize the climate of cooperation.”