Lebanon's former prime minister Saad al-Hariri said on Thursday he would back Michel Aoun, a Hezbollah ally, to be president, a move that faces significant opposition but could help resolve a political crisis if it wins support from all the main factions.
Backing Aoun, a foe of his own Future Movement, is a gamble for Hariri, Lebanon's leading Sunni politician, but one that could ease the deadlock in Beirut and make him prime minister, restoring a political position shaken by financial woe.
"This decision comes from the need to protect Lebanon and the state and the people ... but it is a decision that depends on agreement," he said in a speech, describing Aoun as "the only option left".
Hariri and Aoun must now attempt to rally enough support to gather a quorum of parliament members, two thirds of the total, for a vote at the next scheduled sitting on October 31.