Lebanon names new army chief

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

BEIRUT (AFP) — General Jean Kahwaji was on Friday appointed chief of the Lebanese army to replace Michel Sleiman, who was elected president in May, Information Minister Tareq Mitri announced.

"The Council of Ministers decided to appoint General Jean Kahwaji to the post of chief of the Lebanese army," Mitri told reporters at the end of a cabinet meeting at the presidential palace.

Kahwaji, 54, joined the army in 1973. He has undergone specialised military training abroad, including in the United States and Italy, while in 2006 he went to Germany for intensive anti-terrorism training.

Decorated on several occasions, he has occupied the post of commander of the second infantry division since 2002. He is married with three children.

General Shawki...