Salim Bey Karam

Salim Bey Youssef Bey Karam
سليم بك يوسف بك كرم
Member of the Parliament of the Republic of Lebanon
In office
7 June 2009  present
Minister of State in Lebanese government
In office
13 June 2011  15 February 2014
Personal details
Born May 21, 1946
Zgharta, Lebanon
Nationality Lebanese
Political party Marada Movement
Spouse(s) Marina Nabih Chammas
Children Daughter: Rita, Christina
Alma mater American University of Beirut
Religion Maronite Catholic

Salim Bey Youssef Bey Karam (Arabic سليم بك يوسف بك كرم) , born on May 21, 1946 in Zgharta, Lebanon is a Minister of State in Lebanese government leading by Najib Mikati and a Member of Parliament for the Maronite Catholic seat of Zgharta-Zawyie, in North Lebanon.[1]

Early Life and Education

Salim Bey Karam was born in Zgharta on May 21, 1946. He is the fourth son of politician and former MP Youssef Salim Karam. His mother was Mariette Tarabay. His father was a Member of Parliament during (1943-1947), (1947-1953), (1960-1964). His grandfather, Salim Bey Mikhael Bey Karam, was District Governor of Ehden (1898-1900). He is a direct descendant of famous national Lebanese hero Youssef Bey Karam.

Karam was educated at De La Salle School in Tripoli. He went to American University of Beirut, graduating with a Business Degree.He has had a career in Commerce and Agriculture.

Political career

Salim Karam has been the leader of the Karam Family League since 1973 after the step down of his older brother Assad Bey (after 1972 Parliamentary Elections). He was a member of the High Political Leadership Council of Zgharta in during 1975-76 Lebanese Civil War.

He was staunchly opposed to the Syrian occupation of Lebanon in the 1990s; however, today with the withdrawal of Syrian Armies from Lebanon he supports equal bi-lateral relations with Syria with the strict condition Syria does not interfere in Lebanese politics.

Karam was a candidate in the General Elections of 1996, 2000 and 2005.

During the Lebanese Parliamentary Elections of 7 June 2009, Salim Bey Karam was elected for the 1st time as a Member of Parliament for the Maronite seat of Zgharta-Zawyieh. He won the seat along with his two running partners Suleiman Frangieh, Jr and Estephan El Douaihy.[2]

He was appointed minister of state in June 2011. He is part of the March 8 coalition and the Change and Reform bloc in Najib Mikati's cabinet.

Personal life

Karam married in 1975 Marina Nabih Chammas and they have two daughters, Rita and Christina.

See also

References

  1. "Lebanon announces cabinet line-up". The Marada News. 13 June 2011. Retrieved 16 June 2011.
  2. "El Marada leader Sleiman Frangieh, former minister Estephan Douaihy and Salim Bey Karam addressed economists". The Marada News. 22 May 2009. Retrieved 20 April 2011.