RNA - "The Islamic Republic of Iran felicitates the Lebanese people, different political groups and Michel Aoun, himself, and hopes to witness growth and flourishing in Lebanon as well as further expansion of relations between the two countries during his presidency," Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi said on Monday.
He described the consensus among the different political streams in Lebanon over the election of a new president as a crucially important step towards institutionalizing democracy and continued stability in Lebanon.
The Lebanese parliament convened at Monday noon for the voting session in its 46th attempt to elect a head of state.
Aoun, the head of Lebanon's Free Patriotic Movement, was elected after four rounds of voting during the session.
He secured the presidency by winning the support of 83 out of 127 MPs, well above the absolute majority of 65 needed to win.
The 81-year-old Christian leader has won the support of two of his greatest rivals: Samir Geagea, leader of the Christian Lebanese Forces, and ex-prime minister, Saad Hariri.
Observers view Aoun’s rise to power as a political victory for Hezbollah, which will greatly diminish the Saudi influence in Lebanon’s political arena.
847/940