Pakradouni: Lebanese Presidential Elections a ‘Historic Moment’

‘We Must All Work Together in Order to Repair All That Was Damaged in the Past’

BEIRUT, Lebanon (A.W.)—Chair of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Central Committee of Lebanon and head of the Armenian Bloc of the Lebanese Parliament, Member of Parliament Hagop Pakradouni called the Lebanese presidential elections a “historic moment,” which will help repair the future of Lebanon.

“I would like to call the presidential elections a historic moment, which will turn the pages of the past and look towards the future. We must all work together in order to repair all that was damaged in the past,” he said.

Michel Naim Aoun was elected president on Oct. 31 on the 46th electoral session of the Lebanese Parliament. Lebanon had been without a head of state after President Michel Suleiman stepped down as president at the end of his term in May 2014, resulting in a deadlock as the Parliament failed to elect a successor for more than two years.

Speaking in Parliament, Pakradouni stressed that President Aoun’s election is a dream for all Lebanese citizens, as it will allow the people to learn from the lessons of the past and help everyone work together in harmony. After congratulating the new president, Pakradouni said that there is much work to do, in order to overcome the hopelessness that has plagued the Lebanese political system over the past few years.

“General Aoun’s election signifies the understanding of struggle, patience, and perseverance—it is something that must serve as an example for all citizens, so that they may struggle for their desires and build a free, severing, and noble homeland,” he said.

President Aoun has been in a political alliance with the ARF since 2005.