On Wednesday, Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States. Hours after the inauguration, Lebanese President Michel Aoun sent a congratulatory message to Biden.
Aoun congratulated his American counterpart for assuming leadership of the U.S. and wished him success in his presidential responsibilities, especially during the delicate circumstances that the countries of the world are going through at various levels.
“I look forward to working with your Excellency in a framework of mutual understanding and respect while upholding the fundamental values of truth, righteousness, justice, freedom, and democracy that we share with the American people, many of which you referred to in your presidential speech after your swearing-in,” he said.
It has been speculated that Biden’s inauguration would precede the untying of the knots holding back the long-awaited formation of a government in Lebanon.
As the country falls deeper into turmoil, no progress appears to be made in the matter that is only the first step in a long road toward recovery from the crisis, which has engulfed Lebanon and plunged much of its population into poverty over the last year.
The hurdles delaying the process reportedly increased following the infamous recording leaked earlier this month of President Aoun accusing Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri of lying about the government formation.
