Veteran Lebanese politician Nassib Lahoud dies

Dubai: Nassib Lahoud, head of the Democratic Renewal Party and a leading figure in the March 14 coalition, died Thursday after a long illness.

Lahoud died at dawn at Hotel Dieu Hospital in Ashrafieh, Beirut.

The 68-year-old, who hailed from the Metn town of Baabdat, served as minister of state in the Cabinet of former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora in 2008 and 2009.

He was also a Member of Parliament.

Lahoud has held various political posts including ambassador to the US.

He is part of the Lahoud family, one of the most prominent Lebanese-Christian political families. A funeral will be held for Lahoud on Saturday.