Aoun arrives in Damascus for the first time in 14 years

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
6 Jun 2023 17:58
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After 14 years, former Lebanese President Michel Aoun arrived in Damascus, Syria, to meet Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad on what is said to be a regular trip.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun waves for his supporters during a speech given to them outside the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, Lebanon, Oct. 30, 2022. (AP)

Reportedly, former Lebanese President Michel Aoun arrived to Damascus, Syria earlier today to meet the Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad.

It was also reported that Aoun was accompanied by former Lebanese Minister Pierre Raffoul, and they were received on the Lebanese-Syrian border by the former Syrian ambassador to Lebanon, Ali Abed Al-Karim Ali.

A source close to Aoun told Al Mayadeen that the Lebanese presidential election "is not on the agenda of Aoun's discussion with Assad."

Furthermore, the source also pointed out that Aoun's visit to Damascus comes within a "regular" context, given that Syria is "the gateway to the Arab Levant," and that is why this visit occured, the source said.

It is worth noting that the last time Aoun visited Damascus was 14 years ago.

Significantly, the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, Nabih Berri, called yesterday for a session, on June 14, to elect a president for the republic after the candidacy of former minister Jihad Azour was announced for the position.

The presidential race, a few days ago, entered a new turn, the first of its kind, with the United States directly joining the international campaign to expedite the election of a new president, showcasing the extent of American interference in Lebanese affairs.

The US administration has threatened to impose sanctions on officials who delay this issue, according to an administration statement. The new American position on the presidential election came from the words of US Assistant Secretary of State for Near East Affairs, Barbara Leaf.