Chamoun, Camille (redirected from Kamil Sham'un)

Chamoun, Camille (kämē`yə shämōn`), 1900–1987, Lebanese political leader. Chamoun held a variety of governmental posts before serving as president of Lebanon (1952–58). A Maronite Christian, Chamoun was opposed by Muslim leaders who disliked his pro-Western policies. The Muslim groups openly rebelled against Chamoun's government in 1958, and, in response to Chamoun's request for help, U.S. marines were sent to support the government. After defending the Lebanese against Syria in the 1975 civil war, he held a succession of ministerial appointments.

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Chamoun, Camille (Nimer)

 also spelled Kamil Sham'un

(born April 3, 1900, Dayr al-Qamar, Leb.—died Aug. 7, 1987, Beirut) President of Lebanon (1952–58). He reorganized government departments to increase efficiency and allowed the press and opposition groups considerable freedom. International tensions rose in 1956 when he refused to break relations with Britain and France over the Suez Crisis. In 1958, when Syria and Egypt formed the short-lived United Arab Republic, he refused pleas from Lebanon's Muslims to join. Armed rebellion broke out, and Chamoun did not seek a second presidential term. He held ministerial posts during the Lebanese civil war (1975–91).

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Chamoun, Camille 

Born 1900 in Deir el Qamer. Lebanese statesman and political figure.

Chamoun received a law degree in 1924. He held various government posts during the 1930’s and 1940’s, and from 1952 to 1958 he was president of Lebanon. As president, Chamoun carried out a policy of rapprochement with the imperialist powers. He was forced to resign in September 1958 as a result of a popular uprising.

In 1958, Chamoun founded the National Liberal Party, the party of the reactionary Maronite bourgeoisie, landowners, and clergy, and became its chairman. He was a leader of the reactionary forces of the right during the Lebanese civil war of 1975–76.