Emile Lahoud’s presidency has ended. However, there is no elected successor to take over after Mr. Emile Lahoud. Instead of an elected successor, this is a bitter dispute between Emile Lahoud and Prime Minister Fouad Siniora.
Before leaving office, Emile
Lahoud who is pro-Syrian had placed an order for the army to take control of the government. However, the move was rejected by Prime Minister Fouad Siniora who is pro-Western. Siniora said that under Lebanon’s constitution, temporary power goes to him and his cabinet.
Latest attempts to find the new president of Lebanon had failed. A new vote for the next president is scheduled for November 30. Parliament elects the next president. However, Emile Lahoud did not allow for the necessary means to be achieved. Mr. Lahoud refused to recognize Siniora’s government.
Currently, the United States has urged both parties to remain calm. It added that under the constitution, Siniora and his cabinet should temporary assume executive powers and responsibilities until the next president is elected.
Not only has this become a regional affair, this has become an international affair. Asides the United States, Russia, Syria, and Iran have become very involved in this affair.