WorldBEIRUT, AFP -Lebanon's parliament on Monday elected former general Michel Aoun president, ending a vacuum and political stalemate of more than two years. After four rounds of voting, including two unexpected repeat votes, Aoun won support from 83 lawmakers, easily clearing the 50-percent-plus-one majority required. Hariri, who Aoun is expected to name prime minister, said his endorsement was necessary to “protect Lebanon, protect the (political) system, protect the state and protect the Lebanese people”. But the powerful parliament speaker Nabih Berri and his bloc opposed Aoun's nomination, and made no secret of their displeasure. Long live the president, long live Lebanon.” As his supporters cheered in the streets, wearing the trademark orange of his Free Patriotic Movement party, Aoun took the oath of office in front of lawmakers.

Source: Sunday Times October 31, 2016 13:04 UTC