Thousands of Lebanese Rally in Support of Michel Aoun
According To Iran News, Thousands of protesters rallied outside Lebanon’s presidential palace on Sunday in a show of support for President Michel Aoun.
A huge convoy of cars, some waving Aoun’s orange Free Patriotic Movement party flags and his portrait snaked across a main highway on Sunday while a sea of protesters marched to Baabda palace, Reuters reported.
It was the biggest counter-protest to the massive wave of demonstrations that have gripped Lebanon since Oct. 17.
“We’re here to say to Aoun that we love you and renew our trust in you,” said Hiyam Khair.
Wearing a shirt with Aoun’s face, George Barbar said he had driven from northern Lebanon to show his support, “If people don’t join hands with the president, there will be no Lebanon,” said Barbar.
A semblance of normality returned to Lebanon this week, with roads re-opening and banks opening to customers on Friday after being shut for two weeks, though restrictions were reported on foreign currency withdrawals and transfers abroad.
In a speech after Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s resignation, Aoun signaled support for a more technocratic government, saying ministers should be chosen “according to their competencies and expertise, not political loyalties”.
Aoun is obliged to hold a formal period of consultations with members of parliament and designate the figure with the most support as the new prime minister who will be tasked with forming a government.
