He is seen as being opposed to Syrian involvement in Lebanon.

How Lebanon's status quo can change is illustrated by the history of Syrian involvement in the last 14 years.

The 8th Brigade was charged to face any Syrian new involvement in the Christian zones.

All but the Palestinians appeared to realise that Syrian military involvement was now inevitable.

"We just don't know the extent of Syrian involvement or cooperation with Libya."

"The report strongly suggests that the politically motivated assassination could not have taken place without Syrian involvement."

A United Nations investigation into the killing found a strong likelihood of official Syrian involvement.

Indeed, there is no evidence, the State Department has said, of direct Syrian involvement in terrorist acts since 1986.

An Israeli army statement said that "there is no certainty of any Syrian involvement" in the attack.

Many of the Lebanese drawn to the site said they suspected Syrian involvement.