23 Facts About Nassib Lahoud

Nassib Lahoud held various posts including Member of parliament, Ambassador to the United States of America, and Minister of State.

Nassib Lahoud was head of the Democratic Renewal Movement and a leading figure in the March 14 coalition, which nominated him as their presidential candidate when they held the parliamentary majority in 2008.

Nassib Lahoud's election was vetoed by Hezbollah and its allies, who refused to attend parliament and threatened not to recognise any president who was not the product of a consensus agreement between Lebanese political forces.

Nassib Lahoud was born in Baabdat, Matn, Lebanon on 23 November 1944.

Nassib Lahoud was a member of the Lahoud family, one of the most prominent Lebanese-Christian political families.

Nassib Lahoud was the son of ex-Member of Parliament, former minister of foreign affairs and minister of defense Salim Lahoud under President Camille Chamoun in the 1960s.

Nassib Lahoud had a career as businessman, both within Nassib Lahoud Engineering, and in the field of real estate, and was one of the largest landowners in the Metn.

Nassib Lahoud was a prolific art collector, and was particularly interested in European impressionist masters as well as Lebanese contemporary artists.

Nassib Lahoud was re-elected in organised legislative elections in 1992,1996 and in 2000.

Nassib Lahoud opposed the economic policies of the late prime minister Rafiq Hariri, and Syrian interference in the Lebanese political scene.

Nassib Lahoud voted against the constitutional amendments imposed by Syria to extend the mandates of presidents Elias Hrawi in 1995, and Emile Lahoud in 2004.

Nassib Lahoud was a prominent figure of the anti-Syrian opposition movement that started to organise after the extension of the pro-Syrian president Emile Lahoud's term and which gained more political weight following the assassination of Rafiq Hariri on 14 February 2005.

Nassib Lahoud took part in the 2005 legislative elections in his Metn district, at the head of the opposition list.

Nassib Lahoud lost the elections against Michel Aoun's Free Patriotic Movement and allied pro-Syrian figures.

Nassib Lahoud was since 1995 considered to be one of the most serious candidates for the presidency.

Nassib Lahoud was later appointed Minister of State, as the representative of the Ex-Qornet Shehwan Gathering, in the first government under President Michel Suleiman's mandate.

Nassib Lahoud was married to Abla Fustuq, with whom he had two children, Salim and Joumana.

Nassib Lahoud is the sister of Mahmoud Fustuq and Aida Fustuq, who was once married to Saudi ruler King Abdullah.

Nassib Lahoud was very fond of his hometown Baabdat in the Metn.

Nassib Lahoud was known for many high-profile friends and relationships within politics, arts, business, academics and society around the world.

An avid chess and backgammon player, as well as art collector, Nassib Lahoud had close family and business ties with the Saudis.

Nassib Lahoud died at the age of 67 at Hotel Dieu Hospital in Ashrafieh, Beirut on 1 February 2012 after a long illness.

Nassib Lahoud received a state funeral which was attended by the President and the Prime Minister and posthumous homages were published in many newspapers and Web sites.