Beirut - Riyad Shoman
American University of Beirut honours Kamal Salibi
The American University in Beirut (AUB) has honoured the late historian Kamal Salibi, during a memorial ceremony. Former Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora said that the historian caused controversy with his inquiring
mind and through his research and described him as distinguished and a man of integrity and patriotism. Siniora added that Salibi was far-sighted and his vision was entwined with Lebanon's rich culture.
The celebration coincided with a conference held over two days for the same purpose of celebrating and commemorating the historian. Students and colleagues said his memory will remain through his gigantic body of work documenting and writing the history of Lebanon.
AUB President Peter Dorman said: "the great historian Sablibi had sharp eyes that could uncover history." Professor Ahmed Dallal of the AUB noted that Salibi had "broadened the horizons of historical exploration in search of the truth."
Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan said that Salibi had always looked for "common ground and consensus between the communities of the region before it is too late..." Tarif Khalidi described the historian as "a skillful narrator with a brilliant mind and kind heart."
Other tributes came from Pastor Habib Badr who commended the late Salibi, saying that he "read the future through his knowledge of the past" while Soliman Bakhti considered that Kamal Salib had "opened a door that no one would be able to close."