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September 5, 2008 3:07:27 PM CDT

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Lebanon Picks Prez, Ends 6-Month Crisis

Posted May 25, 08 5:26 PM CDT in World 

(Newser) – Lebanon elected its first leader in 6 months today by naming Gen. Michel Suleiman as president, the Washington Post reports. Fireworks filled the sky to a chorus of car honks after Suleiman secured the post with a near-unanimous 118 of 127 parliamentary votes. But the nation remains torn between US-Saudi backing and the forces of Hezbollah.

Leaders are still divided over foreign policy and Hezbollah's arsenal; the new pact gives Hezbollah veto power over the new cabinet. Suleiman, an ex-army commander, emerged as a Hezbollah candidate until winning over government support. Seeking to mend fences, he told a cheering crowd today that "the gun should only be pointed against the enemy."

Source Washington Post

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Saad Hariri, leader of the Lebanese majority, left, walks next the UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, right, upon their arrival at the Lebanese Parliament.   (Associated Press)
Fireworks light up the sky near the Mohammed Al-Amin Mosque, following the election of a new president, in downtown Beirut, Lebanon, May 25, 2008.   (Associated Press)
A girl carries the Lebanese flag as she celebrates the election of the new President Michel Suleiman in Beirut, Lebanon, Sunday, May 25, 2008.   (Associated Press)
Newly-elected Lebanese President Michel Suleiman, left, leaves the Lebanese Parliament, in Beirut, Lebanon, Sunday, May 25, 2008.   (Associated Press)
Newly-elected Lebanese President Michel Suleiman arrives at the Lebanese Parliament in Beirut, Lebanon, Sunday, May 25, 2008.   (Associated Press)
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election  • Lebanon  • Hezbollah  • Beirut  • Qatar  • Lebanon War  • Michel Suleiman  • Gen Michel Suleiman  • General Michel Suleiman


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