Exiled Christian politician Aoun returns to Lebanon

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.

"It will be a historic day, full of emotion and joy," Aoun, Lebanon's former armed forces chief, told reporters in Paris earlier this week.

Late last month, Syria -- which forced Aoun to leave Lebanon in the first place -- ended its 29-year military presence in the country, paving the way for him to make a triumphant return.

Making no effort to hide his political ambitions, the 70-year-old told AFP last month that he would be prepared to assume Lebanon's presidency should a "national consensus" emerge in his favor.

Explosion Reportedly Kills One in Lebanon

By HUSSEIN DAKROUB, Associated Press Writer

JOUNIEH, Lebanon - An explosion ravaged a shopping area and set off a fire near a Christian religious radio station in the port city of Jounieh north of Beirut late Friday, reportedly killing at least one person on the eve of the return from exile of Lebanon's most prominent anti-Syrian politician.

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