Political Career
El-Hoss, a Sunni Muslim, served as prime minister of Lebanon four times. The first was from 1976 until 1980 during the first years of the Lebanese Civil War. His second, and most controversial term, was from 1987 until 1989, when in 1988 he unconstitutionally nominated himself as prime minister but was recognized by many nations and statesmen of the international community. El-Hoss was chosen a third time to serve as prime minister by President Elias Hrawi from November 1989 until December 1990. He served as prime minister again from December 1998 to October 2000.
After losing his parliamentary seat to a previously unknown candidate running with former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri in the Parliamentary elections of 2000, a frail Al-Hoss resigned as Prime Minister declaring an end to his political career.
In March 2005, he was considered as a candidate to form a new government following the resignation of Omar Karami (Prime Minister again), but he reportedly refused to accept the position for health reasons, and Najib Mikati was subsequently appointed.
During his last two terms as prime minister, he was also foreign minister.
He is a member of the anti-imperalist conference Axis for Peace.
Salem al-Hoss is a strong opponent of capital punishment, and during his term as Prime Minister he refused to sign any execution warrants which put a temporary halt to executions in Lebanon, which remain rare.
Read more about this topic: Selim Al-Hoss
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