News In Brief

Lebanese President's nephew names commander of forces

The Command Council of the Lebanese forces elected the nephew of Lebanese President Amin Gemayel as its new commander Tuesday, an official announcement said.

Fuad Abu Nader, the former chief of staff of the Lebanese forces, replaces Fadi Frem, also a Gemayel relative, who led the Lebanese forces since the assassination in September 1982 of its founder and commander, President-elect Beshir Gemayel.

Meanwhile, in the Muslim camp, Druze militia leader Walid Jumblatt announced the formation of a Syrian-inspired Lebanese National Democratic Front to unify opposition ranks.