Ex-general returns to Lebanon
By Hassan M. Fattah The New York Times
BEIRUT Michel Aoun, a former army general who inspires nationalist support in the street among many Christians and unease among some of the long-entrenched elite, has returned to this city after 15 years in exile, promising to remake Lebanon’s politics.
The return of the general, a Maronite Christian who opposed Syria’s dominance, closes the chapter
on that country’s control of Lebanon and opens a new one as Lebanon faces the daunting challenges left by Syria’s withdrawal.
His arrival Saturday, just two weeks after Syrian forces left, was part victory march, part bittersweet homecoming. Posters in Christian parts of the city hailed him as a “resister” and a “liberator.”
“Today is a victory for sovereignty, and a return for a Lebanese,” Aoun said after he arrived on a flight from France.
From the airport, the general drove to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and on to the grave of a former prime minister, Rafik Hariri, before moving to Martyrs’ Square nearby, where thousands of his supporters, wearing the orange of their Free Patriotic Movement, gathered to hear his address.
“This is our march, our path,” said Bob Ghorayeb, 25, who with several friends was selling copies of Aoun’s biography at the rally. “He was a nationalist and he worked in the interest of the whole country. It’s time for a political change like that.”
after years of exile in France. Members of his party, the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), worked relentlessly this week to plan a huge celebration on Martyrs’ Square, in the heart of the city. 
minister, lost a “war of liberation” against Syrian forces in 1989-90. He was sent into exile in France, but an arrest warrant against him was dropped earlier in the week, clearing the way for his return.
JOUNIEH, Lebanon May 6, 2005 
PARIS (AFP) – After 15 years in exile, Lebanon’s Christian opposition leader Michel Aoun was to leave Paris to return to his native land, where highly anticipated legislative elections are due to take place on May 29.
President Emile Lahoud condemned the attack and indicated a link between the explosion and political developments expected Saturday, likely referring to Parliament’s possible discussion of a divisive election law and the return of Michel Aoun 
They said President Emile Lahoud issued a decree confirming the dates already agreed by the government last week.
The Feb. 14 blast that killed former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri shattered the windows and blew in the doors of hotels lining the coast, forcing them to close for some two months.
