Salih Aridi

Background

A leader and one of the founders of the Lebanese Democratic Party (Liberal Democratic Party), headed by Prince Talal Arslan, his father"s, Sheikh Abu Saleh Farhan Aridi, a senior sheikh of the spiritual authority of elders Druze.

Career

Aridi was killed in a car bomb attack near his house in his village Baissour, located in the Aley District of Mount Lebanon. Aridi emphasized close relations with Syria and was a close adviser and right hand for Prince Talal Arslan, head of the Liberal Democratic Party.

He was assassinated at his house in Baissour, in an attack that also injured six others on 10 September 2008. A security official reported that the bomb, made of 700 grams of explosives, was placed under his car.

Reaction

The Syrian foreign ministry said: "Syria firmly denounces the criminal and terrorist act which claimed the life of Saleh Aridi.

The United States State Department spokesman Sean McCormack also condemned the car bombing assassination. He added: "The United States is deeply concerned about the latest violence in Lebanon.

Our support for the Lebanese government and its democratic institutions is unwavering. "This support is a reflection of our unshakable commitment to the Lebanese people and their hope for democratic change and economic prosperity."

The European Union presidency issued a report, indicating that it "very strongly condemns the attack which cost the life of Mr.

Saleh Aridi, and stressed their readiness to provide assistance until the perpetrators of terrorist acts to justice, and advised the parties concerned to continue the process that started the Doha agreement to end the persistent political crisis in Lebanon.".

Achievements

• Syria is convinced that such crimes that target security and stability in Lebanon will not achieve their objectives.".

Connections

opponent:

Saleh Farhan