General Jean Kahwaji was named as the new chief of the Lebanese army, replacing Michel Suleiman who was elected president in May, Information Minister Tareq Mitri said on Friday.

Mitri said, "The Council of Ministers decided to appoint General Jean Kahwaji to the post of chief of the Lebanese army."

Kahwaji has been commander of the Lebanese Armed Force's 12th brigade.

General Shawki Al Masri, the army's chief of staff, had been acting as head of the army since Suleiman was elected president of Lebanon on May 25, ending a long political crisis in the country.



Agencies