Hariri to support Hezbollah ally for presidency

(MENAFN) In a further thickening of the political plot in the country, Lebanese former Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri intends to endorse Michel Aoun for the long vacant presidency, senior political sources said.

In detail, Aoun, known to be an ally of Hezbollah, could be elected head of state as early as this month after an endorsement by Hariri, long an opponent of the Iran-backed Shia group.

Hariri would then become prime minister again under a plan that could reshape Lebanese politics. The plan has drawn opposition in his party and a final decision has not yet been taken, allies told Reuters.

The presidency, which is reserved for a Maronite Christian in the country's sectarian power-sharing arrangements, has been vacant for two and a half years due to political conflicts.