Former MP Antoine Saad buried in Rashaya

Former MP of West Bekaa, Antoine Saad, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88, was buried on Wednesday in his hometown of Rashaya during a popular funeral, according to L'Orient Today's correspondent in the Bekaa. Born in 1937, Saad was a member of the Democratic Gathering and close to its then-leader, Walid Joumblatt.

The ceremony was attended by several political figures. Besides family and friends, the three branches of the state were represented by the governor of Bekaa, Kamal Abou Jaoudeh. The leader of the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP), Teymour Joumblatt, delegated MP Wael Abou Faour, Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea, MP Elias Estephan, Kataeb Party chief Samy Gemayel, Pierre Rouhana, acting army commander General Hassan Audi, and Wissam Hajj. Also present were a large number of parliamentarians and representatives of religious orders, among others.

Following the religious service at the Church of Our Lady of Rashaya, MP Abou Faour paid tribute to the deceased, recalling "his high human qualities," "his commitment to national unity," and "his dedication to serving the region" that he represented twice in Parliament.

Known for his strong opposition to the Syrian regime of the Assad family, Saad was elected MP of his region in 2005, on the list of the March 14 Alliance, defeating the main pro-Syrian figure of the area, former Deputy Speaker of Parliament Elie Ferzli. He was re-elected in 2009.

MP Abou Faour praised the deceased's attachment to the Lebanese army and Lebanon. Before his political career, Saad joined the Lebanese army in 1957. Promoted to general in 1994, he retired in 1998, before embarking on a political career.

Abou Faour called on all parties to "rally around the state and take necessary measures to strengthen its authority over the entire territory."

The representative of the army's acting commander said the "important responsibilities" held by the deceased within the troop, mentioning his military commitment. A word from the family concluded the ceremony.

Antoine Saad was firmly opposed to General Michel Aoun, who had him arrested on Jan. 1, 1990, at the time when he was head of a government of Christian military. He accused him of preparing a coup d'état in collaboration with the Lebanese Forces. Saad was released four months later by order of President Elias Hraoui.