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Michel Naim Aoun (Arabic: ميشال عون) (born 19 February 1935 in Haret Hreik, Lebanon) is a former Lebanese military commander and politician. From 22 September 1988 to 13 October 1990, he served as Prime Minister and acting President of one of two rival governments that contended for power. He was defeated by Syria in the war of liberation and forced into exile. He returned to Lebanon on May 7, 2005,^[1] eleven days after the withdrawal of Syrian troops.^[2] Known as "General,"^[1] Aoun is currently a Parliament Member. He leads the "Free Patriotic Movement" party. A Member of Parliament, or MP, is a representative elected by the voters to a parliament. ... Open seat redirects here. ... For other uses, see May (disambiguation). ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... This page lists prime ministers of Lebanon. ... is the 265th day of the year (266th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1988 (MCMLXXXVIII) was a leap year starting on Friday (link displays 1988 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 286th day of the year (287th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the year. ... Selim al-Hoss Selim Ahmed al-Hoss (born 1929) is a Lebanese politician. ... Selim al-Hoss Selim Ahmed al-Hoss (born 1929) is a Lebanese politician. ... The Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces is a position in the Lebanese Armed Forces. ... The military of the Republic of Lebanon is officially known as the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) (Arabic: القوات المسلحة اللبنانية ) and consists of three branches: The Lebanese Army The Lebanese Navy The Lebanese Air Force // The Lebanese Armed Forces primary missions include; defending Lebanon and its citizens against all aggression, confronting threats against... This article is about the year. ... This article is about the year. ... Former commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces. ... Émile Lahoud General Émile Geamil Lahoud (Arabic: اميل لحود) (born January 12, 1936) is the current President of Lebanon. ... [[Media:Italic text]]{| style=float:right; |- | |- | |} is the 50th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1935 (MCMXXXV) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar). ... Satellite photographs of the Haret Hreik neighborhood [Dahieh district] of Beirut, Lebanon, before and after 22 July 2006. ... FPM logo The Free Patriotic Movement FPM (Tayyar Al-Watani Al-Horr), also known as the Aounist Current (Tayyar Al-Aouni), is a Lebanese political party, led by General Michel Aoun, a former commander of the Lebanese army who served as Prime Minister of one of two governments that contended... For other uses, see Christian (disambiguation). ... Maronites (Marunoye ܡܪܘܢܝܐܶ; in Syriac, Mâruniyya مارونية in Arabic) are members of an Eastern Catholic Church in full communion with the Pope of Rome. ... Arabic can mean: From or related to Arabia From or related to the Arabs The Arabic language; see also Arabic grammar The Arabic alphabet, used for expressing the languages of Arabic, Persian, Malay ( Jawi), Kurdish, Panjabi, Pashto, Sindhi and Urdu, among others. ... [[Media:Italic text]]{| style=float:right; |- | |- | |} is the 50th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1935 (MCMXXXV) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar). ... Satellite photographs of the Haret Hreik neighborhood [Dahieh district] of Beirut, Lebanon, before and after 22 July 2006. ... This article was imported from the CIA World Factbook and needs to be rewritten and/or reformatted in accordance with Wikipedia styles. ... is the 265th day of the year (266th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1988 (MCMLXXXVIII) was a leap year starting on Friday (link displays 1988 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 286th day of the year (287th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the year. ... This page lists prime ministers of Lebanon. ... This page lists presidents of Lebanon. ... is the 127th day of the year (128th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... FPM logo The Free Patriotic Movement FPM (Tayyar Al-Watani Al-Horr), also known as the Aounist Current (Tayyar Al-Aouni), is a Lebanese political party, led by General Michel Aoun, a former commander of the Lebanese army who served as Prime Minister of one of two governments that contended...

Bio

Background and early career

A Christian Maronite, Michel Aoun was born to a poor family in the mixed Christian and Shiite suburb of Haret Hreik, to the south of Beirut. Aoun had close friendships with many Muslims during his early years. "We never distinguished between Ali and Pierre, or between Hassan and Georges," he later said.^[3] He finished his secondary education at the College Des Frères in 1956 and enrolled in the Military Academy as a cadet officer. Three years later, he graduated as an artillery officer in the Lebanese Army. He later received additional training at Chalon-Sur-Marne, France (1958-1959), Fort Sill, Oklahoma in the U.S. (1966) and the École Supérieure de Guerre, France (1978-1980).^{[citation needed]} For other uses, see Christian (disambiguation). ... Maronites (Marunoye ܡܪܘܢܝܐܶ; in Syriac, Mâruniyya مارونية in Arabic) are members of an Eastern Catholic Church in full communion with the Pope of Rome. ... Satellite photographs of the Haret Hreik neighborhood [Dahieh district] of Beirut, Lebanon, before and after 22 July 2006. ... This article is about the Lebanese city. ... For other uses, see Oklahoma (disambiguation). ...

Israeli invasion and Civil war

During the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982, Aoun mobilized an army battalion to defend the presidential palace in Baabda, lest it should be attacked. This was the only action of the Lebanese army in that war.^{[citation needed]} During the Lebanese Civil War in September 1983, Aoun's multi-confessional 8th Mechanised Infantry Battalion fought Muslim, Druze and Palestinian forces at the battle of Souq el Gharb. In June 1984 Aoun was chosen to be commander of the Lebanese army. Baabda (Arabic: بعبدا) is a capital city of Mount Lebanon Governorate, western Lebanon. ... This article was imported from the CIA World Factbook and needs to be rewritten and/or reformatted in accordance with Wikipedia styles. ... Combatants Lebanese Front Syria LNM PLO Israel Commanders Bachir Gemayel Dany Chamoun Kamal Jumblatt Yasser Arafat Ariel Sharon The Lebanese Civil War (1975–1990) was a multifaceted civil war whose antecedents trace back to the conflicts and political compromises reached after the end of Lebanons administration by the Ottoman... There is also a collection of Hadith called Sahih Muslim A Muslim (Arabic: مسلم, Persian: Mosalman or Mosalmon Urdu: مسلمان, Turkish: Müslüman, Albanian: Mysliman, Bosnian: Musliman) is an adherent of the religion of Islam. ... Religions Druzism Scriptures Rasail al-hikmah (Epistles of Wisdom), Quran Languages Arabic. ... The term Palestinian has other usages, for which see definitions of Palestinian. ... Souk El Gharb (also spelled Suk , Sug al , ul, Suq) is a village in the Mount Lebanon Governorate, Aley District, in the country of Lebanon. ... This article was imported from the CIA World Factbook and needs to be rewritten and/or reformatted in accordance with Wikipedia styles. ...

Rival governments

On September 22, 1988, the outgoing President, Amine Gemayel, dismissed the civilian administration of Prime Minister Selim al-Hoss and appointed a six-member interim military government (as prescribed by the Lebanese Constitution should there be no election of a President as was the case at the time), composed of three Christians and three Muslims, though the Muslims refused to serve. Backed by Syria, Al-Hoss declared his dismissal invalid. Two governments emerged - one civilian and mainly Muslim in West Beirut, headed by Al-Hoss, the other, military and mainly Christian, in East Beirut, led by Michel Aoun acting as Prime Minister.^[4] Gemayel's move was of questionable validity, as it violated the National Pact of 1943, which reserved the position of prime minister for a Sunni Muslim. Gemayel argued, however, that as the National Pact also reserved the presidency for a Maronite Christian, and as the Prime Minister assumes the powers and duties of the President in the event of a vacancy, it would be proper to fill that office temporarily with a Maronite. Gemayel referenced the historical precedent of 1952, when General Fouad Chehab, a Christian Maronite, was appointed as prime minister of a transition government following the resignation of President Beshara El-Khoury. is the 265th day of the year (266th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1988 (MCMLXXXVIII) was a leap year starting on Friday (link displays 1988 Gregorian calendar). ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Selim al-Hoss Selim Ahmed al-Hoss (born 1929) is a Lebanese politician. ... The National Pact is an unwritten agreement that laid the foundation of Lebanon and has shaped the country to this day. ... Sunni Islam (Arabic سنّة) is the largest denomination of Islam. ... There is also a collection of Hadith called Sahih Muslim A Muslim (Arabic: مسلم, Persian: Mosalman or Mosalmon Urdu: مسلمان, Turkish: Müslüman, Albanian: Mysliman, Bosnian: Musliman) is an adherent of the religion of Islam. ... Maronites (Marunoye ܡܪܘܢܝܐܶ; in Syriac, Mâruniyya مارونية in Arabic) are members of an Eastern Catholic Church in full communion with the Pope of Rome. ...

Aoun could rely on 60% of the Lebanese army, including nearly all tanks and artillery, the Lebanese Forces (LF) militia headed by Samir Geagea, Dany Chamoun and the National Liberal Party, as well as the support of Iraq's President Saddam Hussein.^[5] Aoun controlled parts of east Beirut and some neighbouring suburbs. In the Spring of 1989, the alliance with the Lebanese Forces fell apart when former ally Samir Geagea turned against Aoun. ^[6] Geagea broke ranks with Aoun after he began to question Aoun insistence with continuing the losing war against the Syrians.^[6] When Aoun tried to dissolve the LF Geagea fought back violently.^[6] Then Michel Aoun used the army to wrest control of LF held ports, in order to collect customs revenues for his government. Lebanese Forces (LF) (Arabic: القوات اللبنانية al-quwat al-lubnāniyya) is a Lebanese political party and a former militia, which fought on the Christian side during the civil war that ravaged Lebanon from 1975 to 1990. ... Samir Farid Geagea (Arabic: سمير فريد جعجع, also Samir Ja`ja`) born October 25, 1952 is the leader of the right wing Lebanese Forces (LF) political party. ... Dany Chamoun (Arabic: داني شمعون) (August 26, 1934, Is a former KKK member who assasinated the president of the United States Of America. ... The National Liberal Party (Hizb al-Watanyin al-Ahrar) is a political party in Lebanon, established by President Camille Chamoun in 1958. ... Saddam Hussein Abd al-Majid al-Tikriti (28 April 1937 – 30 December 2006) was the fifth President of Iraq and Chairman of the Iraqi Revolutionary Command Council from 1979 until his overthrow by US forces in 2003. ...

War against Syria

On March 14, 1989, after a Syrian attack on the Baabda presidential palace and on the Lebanese Ministry of Defense in Yarze, Aoun declared war against the Syrian army which was better armed than the Lebanese forces. The Syrians were supported by the US government led by George H. Bush in exchange for their support against Saddam Hussein.^[5] Over the next few months Aoun's army and the Syrians exchanged artillery fire in Beirut until only 100,000 people remained from the original 1 million, the rest fled the area.^[5] During this period Aoun became critical of American support for Syria and moved closer to Iraq, accepting arms supplies from Saddam Hussein.^[5] is the 73rd day of the year (74th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1989 (MCMLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar). ... Baabda Palace (Arabic: قصر بعبدا) is the headquarters of the President of Lebanon. ... Order: 41st President Term of Office: January 20, 1989–January 20, 1993 Preceded by: Ronald Reagan Succeeded by: Bill Clinton Date of birth: June 12, 1924 Place of birth: Milton, Massachusetts Date of death: Place of death: First Lady: Barbara Pierce Bush Political party: Republican Vice President: Dan Quayle George...

In October 1989 Lebanese National Assembly members met to draw up the Taif Accord in an attempt to settle the Lebanese conflict. Aoun refused to attend, denounced the politicians who did so as traitors and issued a decree dissolving the assembly. After it was signed, Aoun denounced the Accord for not appointing a real date for the withdrawal of the Syrian army from Lebanon. After they signed the Taif Accord, the assembly met to elect René Moawad as President in November. His presidency lasted just 17 days before he was assassinated allegedly some say by the Syrian regime which thought that Moawad was too independent-minded and Elias Hrawi was elected in his place; however some say that Moawad was clearly in the Syrian camp and his assassination was carried out by muslim extremists who were avenging the death of the late Sunni Muslim Prime Minister, Rashid Karami. Hrawi appointed General Émile Lahoud as commander of the army and ordered Aoun out of the Presidential Palace. Aoun rejected his dismissal, and started war against the Christian LF, that lasted from January to October 1990. The National Assembly of Lebanon is the Lebanese national legislature. ... The Taif Agreement was negotiated in Taif, Saudi Arabia by members of Lebanons parliament, presided by Speaker of the House President Hussein El-Husseini. ... René Moawad René Moawad (1925 - November 22, 1989) was President of Lebanon for 17 days in 1989, from the 5th to the 22nd of November, when he was assassinated. ... Elias Hrawi Elias Hrawi (Arabic: الياس الهراوي) ,(September 4, 1926–July 7, 2006) was a former President of Lebanon, whose term of office ran from 1989 to 1998. ... General Émile Jamil Lahoud (Arabic: , Armenian: ; born January 12, 1936) is a former President of Lebanon. ...

Defeat and exile

The end approached for Aoun when his Iraqi ally, Saddam Hussein, launched his invasion of Kuwait on August 2, 1990. Syria's President Hafez al-Assad sided with the United States. In return, the United States agreed to support Syria's interests in Lebanon. On October 13, with American permission, Syrian forces attacked the presidential palace in Baabda, where Aoun was holed up. Not very long after the attacks, Aoun was asked to leave Lebanon with the full support of the French Ambassador, there he surrendered to Syrians via a radio address, leaving his troops at the mercy of the Syrian forces. Ten months later Aoun went into exile in France, where he led a political party, the Free Patriotic Movement. In 2003, an avowed Aounist candidate, Hikmat Deeb, came surprisingly close to winning a key by-election in the Baabda-Aley constituency with the endorsement of such right-wing figures as Solange and Nadim Gemayel (the widow and son of former President-elect Bachir Gemayel, who was assassinated in 1982), as well as leftists like George Hawi of the Lebanese Communist Party, although most of the opposition (constituted mainly of Qornet Shehwan Gathering, whose most prominent faces were Nassib Lahoud, Boutros Harb, Nayla Mouawad, etc...) supported the government candidate, Henry Hélou. Aoun's ability to attract support from key figures of both the left and right revealed that he was a force to be reckoned with. is the 214th day of the year (215th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the year. ... Hafez al-Assad (Arabic: ) (October 6, 1930 – June 10, 2000) was president of Syria for three decades. ... is the 286th day of the year (287th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Baabda (Arabic: بعبدا) is a capital city of Mount Lebanon Governorate, western Lebanon. ... Political parties in Lebanon lists political parties in Lebanon. ... FPM logo The Free Patriotic Movement FPM (Tayyar Al-Watani Al-Horr), also known as the Aounist Current (Tayyar Al-Aouni), is a Lebanese political party, led by General Michel Aoun, a former commander of the Lebanese army who served as Prime Minister of one of two governments that contended... Solange Gemayel is a political figure and former First Lady of Lebanon. ... Bachir Gemayel Bachir Gemayel, first name also spelt Bashir (Arabic: بشير الجميل), (November 10, 1947 – September 14, 1982) was a Lebanese military commander, politician and president elect. ... Year 1982 (MCMLXXXII) was a common year starting on Friday (link displays the 1982 Gregorian calendar). ... George Hawi (1938 – June 21, 2005) was a Lebanese politician and former secretary general of the Lebanese Communist Party (LCP) His nickname durig the war was Abou Anis. He was assassinated in 2005. ... The Lebanese Communist Party (LCP, Arabic, الـحـزب الشـيـوعـي اللبـنـانـي hizbu-sh-shuy‘uÄ«-l-lubnānÄ«) is a Marxist political party in Lebanon. ... The Qornet Shehwan Gathering is a Lebanese political organization, comprising politicians, intellectuals, and businessmen, mostly Christian and ranging in ideology from the centre-right to the center-left. ... Nassib Lahoud Nassib Lahoud (Arabic: نسيب لحود) is a Lebanese political figure born on 23 November 1944 in Baabdat - Matn, Lebanon. ... Boutros Harb (بطرس حرب) (born in Tannourine, Lebanon in 1944), is a Lebanese politician. ... Nayla Moawad (Arabic: نائله معوض) (born 3 July 1940) is a Lebanese politician. ...

Return to Lebanon

Aoun ended 15 years of exile when he returned to Lebanon on May 7, 2005, 11 days after the withdrawal of the Syrian army from Lebanon. He held a short press conference at Beirut International Airport before heading with a convoy of loyalists and journalists to the "Grave of the Un-named Soldiers and Martyrs" who died in the cause of Lebanese nationalism. After praying and expressing his gratitude and blessing to the people, he went on to the grave site of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, who was assassinated on 14 February 2005 to pay his respects there. Then, he visited Samir Geagea who was still in jail for 11 years. His journey continued to Martyr's Square where he was greeted by substantial numbers of Lebanese supporters from all corners of Lebanon. is the 127th day of the year (128th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Terminal Overview Beirut International Airport is an airport located in Beirut, Lebanon. ... Rafik Bahaeddine Al-Hariri — (November 1, 1944 – February 14, 2005), (Arabic: ) a self-made billionaire and business tycoon, was Prime Minister of Lebanon from 1992 to 1998 and again from 2000 until his resignation on 20 October 2004. ... is the 45th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Samir Farid Geagea (Arabic: سمير فريد جعجع, also Samir Ja`ja`) born October 25, 1952 is the leader of the right wing Lebanese Forces (LF) political party. ... Martyrs statue Place des Martyrs (or el Bourj, (Arabic: ‎); English: Martyrs Square) is the heart of the downtown district of Beirut, Lebanon (see Beirut Central District). ...

Since his arrival, Aoun has moved into a new home in Lebanon's Rabieh district, where he was visited on 8 May by a large delegation from the disbanded Lebanese Forces (LF), who were among Aoun's former enemies. Aoun and Sitrida Geagea, wife of the imprisoned LF leader Samir Geagea (since released), publicly reconciled. Aoun later visited Geagea in prison (he was the first of all opposition leaders to do so) and called for his release. Other prominent visitors that day and the next included National Liberal Party leader Dory Chamoun, Solange Gemayel , Nayla Moawad (widow of assassinated President René Moawad), and opposition MP Boutros Harb. Patriarch Nasrallah Cardinal Sfeir of the Maronite community sent a delegation to welcome him, and even the Shiite Muslim Hizbullah Party sent a delegation. Rabieh is a city in Lebanon, about 20 minutes driving distance from Beirut. ... is the 128th day of the year (129th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Lebanese Forces (LF) (Arabic: القوات اللبنانية al-quwat al-lubnāniyya) is a Lebanese political party and a former militia, which fought on the Christian side during the civil war that ravaged Lebanon from 1975 to 1990. ... Setrida Geagea during the 2005 Lebanese parliamentary elections. ... The National Liberal Party (Hizb al-Watanyin al-Ahrar) is a political party in Lebanon, established by President Camille Chamoun in 1958. ... Dory Chamoun Dory Chamoun is a Lebanese politician who leads the National Liberal Party, and is also a prominent member of the Qornet Shehwan Gathering, a coalition of politicians, academics, and businessmen who oppose the pro-Syrian government of President Emile Lahoud. ... Solange Gemayel is a political figure and former First Lady of Lebanon. ... Nayla Moawad Nayla Moawad (born 3 July 1940) is a Lebanese politician. ... René Moawad René Moawad (1925 - November 22, 1989) was President of Lebanon for 17 days in 1989, from the 5th to the 22nd of November, when he was assassinated. ... The National Assembly of Lebanon is the Lebanese national legislature. ... Boutros Harb (بطرس حرب) (born in Tannourine, Lebanon in 1944), is a Lebanese politician. ... This is a list of the Maronite Patriarchs of Antioch, who have led the Maronite Catholic Church, one of the Eastern Catholic Churches, in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church. ... Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Boutros Cardinal Sfeir His Eminence and His Beatitude Nasrallah Boutros Cardinal Sfeir (born May 15, 1920 in Rayfoun, Lebanon) is the leader of Lebanons largest Christian sect, the Maronites. ... Shī‘a Islam, also Shi‘ite Islam, or Shi‘ism (Arabic ) is the second largest denomination of the Islamic faith. ... Hezbollah militant Guerrilla carrying Hezbollah Flag Hezbollah (Arabic ‮حزب الله‬, meaning Party of God) is a political and military organization in Lebanon founded in 1982 to fight Israel in southern Lebanon. ...

2005 Elections

In the parliamentary election at the end of May 2005, Aoun surprised many observers by entering into electoral alliances with a number of former opponents, including some pro-Syrian politicians including Michel Murr and Suleiman Frangieh, Jr. The 14 March coalition did the same however by forming the Quadruple alliance with Hezbollah and Amal, two of the biggest pro-Syrian parties in Lebanon. Some saw this as indicating a belief that pro- and anti-Syrian positions are no longer relevant, now that Syrian troops have left Lebanon.^{[citation needed]} Aoun opposed the March 14 parliamentary coalition which included the Future Movement, the Progressive Socialist Party, the Lebanese Forces and some other parties. He argued that the key members of this coalition undertook an agreement with the Amal movement and Hezbollah to keep the electoral law of the year 2000.^{[citation needed]} Critics argue that this law, implemented by Syrian intelligence chief Ghazi Kanaan, does not provide for a real popular representation and marginalizes many communities especially the Christian one throughout the country. Elections in Lebanon gives information on election and election results in Lebanon. ... Michel Murr is the former Lebanese Minister of the Interior. ... Born on September 18, 1964 in Zgharta, Lebanon. ... is the 73rd day of the year (74th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 73rd day of the year (74th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Future Movement (Arabic: تيار المستقبل, Tayyar Al Mustaqbal) is a political movement in Lebanon, led by Saad Hariri, younger son of the assassinated former Prime Minister of Lebanon, Rafik Hariri. ... The Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) (Arabic al-hizb al-taqadummi al-ishtiraki) is a political party in Lebanon. ... Lebanese Forces (LF) (Arabic: القوات اللبنانية al-quwat al-lubnāniyya) is a Lebanese political party and a former militia, which fought on the Christian side during the civil war that ravaged Lebanon from 1975 to 1990. ...

In the third round of voting, Aoun's party, the Free Patriotic Movement, made a strong showing, winning 21 of the 58 seats contested in that round, including almost all of the seats in the Christian heartland of Mount Lebanon.^[7][1] Aoun himself was elected to the National Assembly. In the fourth and final round, however, the FPM failed to win any seats in Northern Lebanon, thus falling short of its objective of holding the balance of power between the main "anti-Syrian" opposition coalition (formerly known to be Syria's strong allies) led by Sa'ad Hariri (which won an absolute majority) and the Shiite-dominated Amal-Hezbollah alliance. For other uses, see Mount Lebanon (disambiguation). ... Saadeddine Rafiq al Hariri (Arabic: ), (born April 18th 1970 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) is the majority leader in the Lebanese Parliament and the head of the Current for the Future, a political movement associated with corruption and founded by his late father. ... Shia Islam ( Arabic شيعى follower; English has traditionally used Shiite or Shiite) is the second largest Islamic denomination; some 20-25% of all Muslims are said to follow a Shia tradition. ... For other uses of Amal, see the disambiguation page. ...

Political strategy

In an unprecedented move, Aoun signed a Memorandum Of Understanding with Hezbollah on February 6, 2006. ^[8] Aoun further stated that the motive for his agreement was to take a first step towards resolving the main differences between Lebanon's political parties.^{[citation needed]} is the 37th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

He rationalized his move as the mechanism by which UN resolution 1559 -- he claims to have grandfathered through his testimony to the US Congress in 2003 -- which discusses Hezbollah's disarmement could be applied (considering that the US administration refused the draft resolution until his testimony in congress).^{[citation needed]} This historical document allowed bridging the gap between the majority of the christians and Hezbollah, and their electorates, according to electoral returns from the 2005 elections 70% and 80% of the Christian and Shiite electorates respectively.^{[citation needed]} The Memorendum Of Understanding calls for the disarmement of Hezbollah, but it defined it under a national defense strategy. Aoun stated that the MOU was the peaceful unifying way to apply resolution 1559.^{[citation needed]}

Aoun and his Free Patriotic Movement party, along with Hezbollah (which later joined in after leaving the government), form the core of the opposition against the government dominated by the March 14th coalition.^{[citation needed]} He argued that this government did not have a unified vision for the country, and would lead to political and economical crises in the future.

Aoun claims that his platform is a liberal, secular one. He repeatedly stated: "We want to create a secular culture with the people so that the population begins to demand it and be able to confront religious authorities that refuse it."^{[citation needed]}

General Aoun has put himself forward as a candidate for the presidency of the Republic, as a successor of Émile Lahoud whose term expired in November 2007.^[9] He enjoys Amal and Hizbollah's endorsement and some Sunni support. He claims to fight the corruption of the parlimental majority. Most presidential polls, even ones done by newspapers loyal to his foes give him the first position with a margin of at least 10-20 % from the runner-up , which is not that useful to him, since the Lebanese parliement is the body that elects the President.^{[citation needed]} Aoun argues that the parliament of 2005 is not representative since the districts were jerrymandered by Ghazi Kanaan (Syria) for Syria's ex-allies, current foes, Hariri, Jumblatt and Hezbollah & Amal at the expense of Christian voters, Aoun's main support group.^{[citation needed]} One fact which Supports Aoun's argument is that out of the 68 members of the current parliementary majority, three did not lose the 'christian vote' in their districts : Botros Harb, Strida Geagea and Elie Kayrouz.

Popularity

In the latest parliementary election of 2005, Aoun's slates enjoyed the support of more than 2.6% of the Lebanese Christians. In 2007, Aoun Fielded an unknown party activist, Camil Khoury , who defeated the former President and current Phalange President Amin Gemayel in a pivotal election for the vacant Maronite Christian seat in the predominantly Christian district of Metn by a narrow win of 51%. Opponents argue that this resembles a decrease in Aoun's popularity, others see it as great success in an "impossible battle" against a former president, and one of March 14th major figures, in his home district, reclaiming his assassinated son's seat, and allied to all other Christian forces such as the Lebanese Forces, presidential candidate Nassib Lahoud (who lost to Aoun's candidates in 2005) and a debated impartiality of Gemayel-Allied Hariri controlled ministry of interior(which conducts the elections).

On Wednesday 9 March 2008, Michel Murr former Prime Minister deputy, current deputy, and father of the Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister and the Defence Minister Elias Murr, broke away from the Change and Reform coalition and its ubuesque leader, leaving it with twenty two MPs instead of twenty three and "returned to the people" according to Murr.^[10]

Timeline

1935: Born in the Beirut suburb of Haret Hreik, as the son of poor Maronite parents. His father was a butcher. 1935 (MCMXXXV) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar). ... Satellite photographs of the Haret Hreik neighborhood [Dahieh district] of Beirut, Lebanon, before and after 22 July 2006. ...

1941: His family has to move out of their house, as British/Australian forces occupy it. For other uses, see 1941 (disambiguation). ...

1955: He finishes his secondary education, and becomes a cadet officer at the Military Academy. Year 1955 (MCMLV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1955 Gregorian calendar). ...

1958: Graduates as an artillery officer in the army. — Goes to France, to receive further military training at Chalons-sur-Marnes. He graduates the following year. Jan. ...

1966: Gets military training at Fort Sill, OK, USA. Year 1966 (MCMLXVI) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar) of the 1966 Gregorian calendar. ... Fort Sill is a United States Army post near Lawton, Oklahoma; about 85 miles southwest of Oklahoma City. ... For other uses, see Oklahoma (disambiguation). ...

1978: Goes to France for more military training at Ecole Superieure de Guerre. Year 1978 (MCMLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1978 Gregorian calendar). ...

1980: Returns to Lebanon, where he soon is appointed head of the Defence Brigade, which is stationed along the Green Line that separated West and East Beirut. Year 1980 (MCMLXXX) was a leap year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1980 Gregorian calendar). ... Green Line may refer to: // Green Line (Cyprus), between the Republic of Cyprus and the de facto Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. ...

1982: Aoun gets command over the new 8th Brigade, a multi-confessional army unit. Year 1982 (MCMLXXXII) was a common year starting on Friday (link displays the 1982 Gregorian calendar). ...

1984: Is promoted to brigadier-general, and military chief of staff. This article is about the year. ...

1988 September 22: Is appointed by outgoing president Amine Gemayel (15 minutes before the expiration of his term) to head a military government. The area under his control at this point is very small: East Beirut and surrounding suburbs. Year 1988 (MCMLXXXVIII) was a leap year starting on Friday (link displays 1988 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 265th day of the year (266th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

1989

• February: Has his army take control of the harbour of Beirut, which came to involve military actions against fellow Maronite Christians who were in the business of weapon traffic and drug traffic.

• March: As prime minister, Aoun declares a "war of liberation" against Syria.

• September: Aoun agrees to a cease-fire.

• October: Even though the National Reconciliation Charter gets support from most Muslim and Christian parliamentarians, Aoun rejects it, because it does not propose a clear schedule for the Syrian army withdrawal from Lebanon.

• November 5: Aoun refuses to recognize the newly elected president Rene Muawad.

• November 24: As had been the case with Muawad (assassinated on November 22), Aoun ignores the new president Elias Hrawi. Hrawi responds by dismissing Aoun, but Aoun continues to stay in the presidential palace and call himself prime minister.

Year 1989 (MCMLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 309th day of the year (310th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... René Moawad René Moawad (April 17, 1925 - November 22, 1989) (Arabic: رينيه معوض) was President of Lebanon for 17 days in 1989, from the 5th to the 22nd of November, when he was assassinated. ... is the 328th day of the year (329th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 326th day of the year (327th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Elias Hrawi Elias Hrawi (Arabic: الياس الهراوي) ,(September 4, 1926–July 7, 2006) was a former President of Lebanon, whose term of office ran from 1989 to 1998. ...

1990

• January: Aoun started another war against the christian Lebanese Forces. Still, Aoun is able to control 35% of the Christian parts of Beirut, together with surrounding areas, about 750 km² altogether.

• October: Following an air and ground campaign, Lebanese and Syrian troops are able to defeat Aoun and his soldiers. Aoun takes refuge in the French embassy, from which he conducted the negotiations for a cease-fire.

1991 August: Aoun leaves for France after the Lebanese government had granted him conditional amnesty, and the French president, asylum. This article is about the year. ... Year 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian Calendar. ...

1999 January: Prime Minister Rafik Hariri says that Aoun can return to Lebanon with the guarantee that he will not be arrested. He was uncertain of how Syria would act, and stayed abroad. Events of 2008: (EMILY) Me Lesley and MIley are going to China! This article is about the year. ... Rafik Bahaeddine Al-Hariri — (November 1, 1944 – February 14, 2005), (Arabic: ) a self-made billionaire and business tycoon, was Prime Minister of Lebanon from 1992 to 1998 and again from 2000 until his resignation on 20 October 2004. ...

2005 May 7: Aoun returns to Lebanon . Late May: Participates in the parliamentary elections. He is elected to the National Assembly, and his party, the Free Patriotic Movement, wins 21 seats. Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 127th day of the year (128th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... FPM logo The Free Patriotic Movement FPM (Tayyar Al-Watani Al-Horr), also known as the Aounist Current (Tayyar Al-Aouni), is a Lebanese political party, led by General Michel Aoun, a former commander of the Lebanese army who served as Prime Minister of one of two governments that contended...

2006 December 1: Participates in massive opposition demonstration calling for the resignation of the Siniora government, which he brands unconstitutional, and "made corruption a daily affair". Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 335th day of the year (336th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Fouad Siniora (alternative spellings: Fouad Sanyoura, Fuad Siniora, Fouad Saniora, Fouad Seniora) (Arabic: ‎, Fuād As-Sanyūrah) is the Prime Minister of Lebanon, a position he assumed on 19 July 2005, succeeding Najib Mikati. ...

References

This article refers to the news department of the British Broadcasting Corporation, for the BBC News Channel see BBC News (TV channel). ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 138th day of the year (139th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 138th day of the year (139th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article refers to the news department of the British Broadcasting Corporation, for the BBC News Channel see BBC News (TV channel). ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 138th day of the year (139th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 138th day of the year (139th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 138th day of the year (139th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 165th day of the year (166th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 138th day of the year (139th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... ZNet, of Z Communications, founded in 1995, is a large website updated many times daily to convey information and provide community, generally focusing on politics from a left-wing perspective. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 138th day of the year (139th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 138th day of the year (139th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 138th day of the year (139th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

External Links

Wikisource has original text related to this article:

[[wikisource:Michel Aoun - Return from exile speech, 7 May 2005|Michel Aoun - Return from exile speech, 7 May 2005]]

• Dossier: Michel Aoun, MEIB, January 2001