Elias Skaff

Elias Skaff
Born Elias Joseph Tohme Skaff
11 October 1948
Zahlé
Nationality Lebanese
Alma mater American University of Beirut
Occupation politician
Religion Christian
Spouse(s) Myriam Gebran Tawk
Children Joseph
Gebran
Parent(s) Joseph Tohme Skaff
Helena Nilacos

Elias Skaff (born 1948, also known as Elie Skaff) is a Lebanese politician and leader of the "Popular Bloc".[1]

Early years and education

Elias Skaff was born in Zahlé on 11 October 1948.[2] He is the son of the leader and ex-minister Joseph Tohme Skaff. His mother is Helena Nilacos who is of the Greek nationality.[2]

Elias Skaff received elementary education in Zahle and then in New Zealand. In 1965, he attended the Evangelical School in Zahle and then the International School of Choueifat (Charles Saad). He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering from the American University of Beirut in 1975.[2]

Political career

Skaff was elected to the parliament in 1992 as head of the Popular Bloc list as well as in 1996, 2000 and 2005. He was appointed minister of industry in 2003 in the government of Rafik Hariri. Then he served as the minister of agriculture in 2004 and 2005 in the Omar Karami government.[2] He also participated in the sessions of National Dialogue in his capacity as head of the parliamentary Popular Bloc in 2006. In July 2008, Skaff was appointed agriculture minister to the cabinet of then prime minister Fouad Siniora.[3] Skaff lost his seat in 2009 elections.[4]

Personal life

Elias Skaff is married to Myriam Gebran Tawk and has two children: Joseph and Gebran.[2] Elias Skaff reestablished the political newspaper Al Asr in 2000.[2]

References

  1. ↑ "Proceed with caution". Now Lebanon. 30 November 2007. Retrieved 28 January 2013.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 "Elias Skaff". Tayyar.org. Retrieved 15 July 2012.
  3. ↑ "Lebanon's 'unity cabinet' announced". Ya Libnan. 11 July 2008. Retrieved 28 January 2013.
  4. ↑ "Joseph Skaff". Lebanon 2013. Retrieved 28 January 2013.