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Biography of the Prime Minister: Mr. Rafic Hariri
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| Born: |
Sidon, Lebanon: November, 1944 |
| Family Status: |
Married to Nazik Hariri |
| Education: |
Received schooling in Saida and then a diploma in Higher Commercial Studies from Beirut Arab University in 1966. |
| Career: |
In 1969, Mr. Hariri travelled to Saudi Arabia where he established his own company, CICONEST. In 1978, he founded Saudi Oger, which he built into one of the largest Arab construction companies. Mr. Hariri remains the owner and director of several worldwide companies.
Mr. Hariri is also know for his philanthropic activities, particularly in the reconstruction of Lebanon, education and general social welfare.
In 1979, he founded the Hariri Foundation, a non-profit organization that helped more than 30,000 students pursue thier university studies in Lebanon, France, Britain, and the US and promoted education and culture in Lebanon. The Foundation has offices in Beirut, Paris and Washington.
Prime Minister Hariri served as Lebanon's President of the Council of Ministers for six consecutive years, from November 22, 1992 until November 1998. |
| Honors: |
Mr. Hariri has been awarded numerous medals and citations including:
Commander of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy (1983), Commander of the Order of the Cedars of Lebanon (1983),
St. Peter and Paul Medal (1983),
King Faisal Medal (1983),
French Medal of Distinction in Literature and the Arts (1985),
Officer of the Legion of Honor of France (1986),
Honorary Doctorate Degrees from the University of Boston and the University of Nice,
Doctor Honoris Causa from Beirut Arab University (1994),
Order of San Martin, Argentina (1995),
"Louis-Michel"Award, France (1995),
Doctor Honoris Causa, Georgetown University (1996),
Grand Croix dans l'Ordre National de la Legion d'Honneur, France (1996), and
Doctor Honoris Causa, Universite de Montreal (1997) |
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