Beirut MP Beshara Merhej

Place & Date of Birth: Born in Dhour El Showeir, Metn, on March 4, 1946. Son of Jamil Merhej and Salma Al-Rahbani.
Sect: Greek Orthodox
Marital Status: Married to Dr. Valy Grotti (pediatrician), with two daughters: Lina and Mona.
Educational: B.A. in Economics, American University of Beirut, 1967.
Professional Background: Professor at Al Farouq Lycee, 1968-1969. Writer. Worked as journalist in the Economic Supplement of Al Anwar Daily in the late Sixties.
Political Background: Held high-ranking positions in the Ba’th Party up to 1973. Main founder of Federation of Popular Leagues & Committees in 1975. Former Director General of Dar Al Nadwa Cultural center (Lebanon). Elected Beirut MP in 1992, reelected in 1996 and 2000. Minister of Interior in Rafic Hariri's first government (October 31, 1992-May 25, 1995). Minister of State and Administrative Reforms in Hariri's third government (November 7, 1996 - December 3, 1998). Minister of State in Hariri's fourth government (October 26, 2000 - April 15, 2003). Member of the Hariri parliamentary bloc. Chairman of the Parliamentary Human Rights and By-law committees, 1995.
Current Political Status: Member of Parliament.
Contact Information: Residence: Beirut, Musaitbe, Furn Al Hatab, Daouk Bldg, Tel: 01-315780, 01-743073. Mobile: 03-223244.