Ṭāʾif Accord

The Taif Accord was a constitutional reform package accepted by most members of the Lebanese parliament in Taif, Saudi Arabia, on October 22, 1989. This agreement aimed to restore a modified consociational government in Lebanon, reducing the power of the Maronite president and adjusting the distribution of parliamentary seats and government positions to create an equal ratio of Christian and Muslim officials.12

The accord also committed to the gradual elimination of confessionalism and affirmed Lebanese independence while calling for an end to foreign occupation in the south. It stipulated that Syrian forces would remain in Lebanon for up to two years to assist the new government in establishing security arrangements. General Michel Aoun, however, opposed the accord, fearing it would prolong Syrian involvement. The agreement was ratified by parliament in Lebanon on November 5, 1989, leading to the election of René Moawad as president, though Aoun denounced the election. The final end to the Lebanese Civil War, which had lasted over 15 years, came on October 13, 1990, with Syrian troops forcing Aoun into exile.12