Amine Gemayel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Amine Gemayel
OM ONC
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أمين الجميٌل
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Gemayel in 2012
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| 8th President of Lebanon | |
| In office 23 September 1982 – 22 September 1988 |
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| Prime Minister |
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| Preceded by |
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| Succeeded by | Michel Aoun (disputed) Selim Hoss (acting) René Moawad |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 22 January 1942 Bikfaya, Greater Lebanon |
| Political party | Kataeb Party |
| Spouse |
Joyce Tyan
(m. 1967) |
| Children |
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| Alma mater | St. Joseph University |
| Religion | Maronite Catholicism |
Amine Pierre Gemayel (Arabic: أمين بيار الجميٌل; born 22 January 1942) is a Lebanese politician. He served as the eighth president of Lebanon from 1982 to 1988.
Gemayel was born in Bikfaya, Lebanon. His father, Pierre Gemayel, started the Kataeb Party, also known as the "Phalanges." Amine Gemayel first worked as a lawyer. Later, he was elected as a representative for Northern Metn in 1970. He was re-elected in 1972.
During the Lebanese Civil War, the Kataeb Party was part of the Lebanese Front. This group was first allied with Syria. Later, Syria became an enemy, and the Kataeb Party received support from Israel. Amine's brother, Bachir Gemayel, became a strong leader during this time. In 1982, Bachir was elected president but was sadly assassinated before he could start his term.
Amine Gemayel was elected president on 23 September 1982. He was 40 years old, making him the youngest president to take office in Lebanon.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Amine Gemayel comes from the Gemayel family, a well-known Christian family in Lebanon. His family has a long history in the country. They settled in the town of Bikfaya, near Beirut, in the mid-1500s.
Amine was born in Bikfaya on 22 January 1942. He is the oldest son of Pierre Gemayel, who founded the Kataeb Party, and his mother, Geneviève Gemayel. He has two sisters and a brother, the late Bachir Gemayel. His grandfather had to leave Lebanon for a few years because he opposed the Ottoman Empire.
Education and Early Career
Amine Gemayel studied law at St. Joseph University in Beirut. He earned his law degree in 1965. After graduating, he started working as a lawyer. He also helped with his family's newspaper business.
In 1970, he was elected to the National Assembly, which is like a parliament. He took the place of his uncle, Maurice Gemayel, who had passed away. He won again by a large number of votes in 1972.
Becoming President
Amine Gemayel was seen as a more moderate politician compared to his younger brother, Bachir. Bachir was known for his strong views, like wanting Palestinian fighters to leave Lebanon. Amine, however, tried to work with different groups, including Muslim politicians.
After Bachir Gemayel was assassinated, Amine was chosen to bring together his brother's supporters and other political groups. He was elected president on 21 September 1982. His term lasted for six years, ending on 22 September 1988.
Challenges as President
When Amine Gemayel became president, Lebanon was facing many problems. Parts of the country were occupied by foreign armies. Also, private armies controlled other areas, making it hard for the government to have real power.
He tried to make a peace agreement with Israel in 1983. This agreement aimed for Israeli forces to leave Lebanon. However, Syria and some Lebanese politicians did not support it, so it was not fully approved.
His government also struggled to collect taxes because local leaders controlled ports and cities. Many people felt that Gemayel did not act strongly enough to make the government powerful. However, others believed he did his best given that much of the country was under foreign control. He worked to keep some order in the government.
Key Decisions and Events
President Gemayel focused on three main goals:
- Making Lebanon independent and sovereign again.
- Encouraging different communities in Lebanon to talk and work together.
- Improving and modernizing the government's systems.
In 1984, he ended the "Arab Deterrence Force," which allowed Syria's military presence in Lebanon. In 1985, he refused to approve an agreement that would have limited Lebanon's ability to make its own decisions.
In 1987, he canceled an agreement from 1969 that allowed the PLO to use Lebanon for military actions against Israel. This showed his commitment to Lebanon's independence.
Helicopter Purchase Problem
In 1983, there was a problem with the purchase of helicopters for the Lebanese army. The helicopters were supposed to be new French-made Puma helicopters. However, it was found that they were used and made in Ukraine, meaning they were worth much less than the price paid. Amine Gemayel denied knowing about the issue. This matter was looked into by officials later on.
Life After Presidency
After his term ended in 1988, Amine Gemayel left Lebanon for about twelve years. He lived in Switzerland, France, and the United States. He taught at Harvard University and the University of Maryland.
In July 2000, he returned to Lebanon. He started working to oppose the government at the time, which he felt was too influenced by Syria. He also helped unite different groups within the Kataeb Party.
In 2003, Amine Gemayel tried to help as a go-between for U.S. President George W. Bush and Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. His efforts to prevent the Iraq War were not successful.
Family and Recent Activities
Amine Gemayel married Joyce Tyan in 1967. They have a daughter, Nicole, and two sons, Pierre and Sami.
In 2006, his son Pierre, who was a member of parliament, was assassinated. Amine Gemayel ran for his son's seat in a special election but did not win. His other son, Samy, later became the leader of the Kataeb Party.
In February 2008, Amine Gemayel was appointed the president of the Kataeb Party.
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See also
In Spanish: Amin Gemayel para niños
