President Aoun hopes for a ‘new birth’ of Lebanon as he says specter of war has receded

President Joseph Aoun said he hopes the coming year will mark a “new birth” for Lebanon, one that transforms the country into a state of institutions and accountability rather than one dominated by parties, sects, and religious divisions.

Speaking after a private meeting with Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rahi ahead of the Christmas Mass in Bkerke, Aoun said Lebanon continues to suffer from wounds in the south, alongside Israeli attacks that have also affected the Bekaa region.

He expressed hope that the emergence of a “new Lebanon” would signal an end to wars and the beginning of peace.

Asked about parliamentary elections, Aoun said he, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam are determined to hold the vote on schedule. He noted that it is up to parliament to debate the electoral law.

On Lebanese diplomatic efforts running in parallel with the work of the ceasefire monitoring committee, Aoun said contacts have not stopped, particularly with the United States, the European Union, and Arab countries.

He added that “the specter of war has receded,” expressing optimism about the ongoing negotiations and saying developments are moving toward positive outcomes.