In the eyes of his supporters and many Lebanese across the political divide, former MP and Cabinet Minister Nassib Lahoud, who died at dawn Thursday after a long battle with cancer, will go down in the annals of history as a unique statesman and a moderate politician who fought fiercely for the freedom of his fellow countrymen and Lebanon’s independence and sovereignty against foreign threats. [DailyStar]

Patriarch Bechara Rai expressed his sorrow and regret over the loss of Nassib Lahoud, who he described as being a true statesman. He continued saying that his death is a great loss for Lebanon and the Lebanese.

As for President Michel Suleiman, he stated the following:

“Lebanon lost with former MP Nassib Lahoud’s death a wise and moderate man. I present my deepest condolences to his family and all Lebanese,” Sleiman said on his Twitter feed. “I lost a dear friend who was key in forming the first government of my presidential term, and remained a close consultant afterward.”