BEIRUT (AFP) - Lebanon's Christian hardliner Michel Aoun returned home to a hero's welcome after 15 years in exile, hoping to reform the country where much-awaited legislative elections are due later this month.

The anti-Syrian Aoun flew in from Paris on a specially chartered plane accompanied by close aides family members and around 50 journalists and cameramen, 12 days after the last Syrian soldier quit the country.

Thunderous applause erupted on the tarmac of Beirut International Airport where hundreds of partisans and relatives, including a brother he had not seen in 15 years, his three daughters and grandchildren, greeted Aoun and his wife Nadia.

Several supporters, wearing orange scarves, were seen wiping tears of joy as Aoun stepped off the plane in a business suit and waved to the crowds.

Issam Abu Jamra and Edgar Maalouf, two retired Lebanese army generals who served in the military government which former army commander Aoun headed in the final days of the 1975-1990 civil war.

The withdrawal last month of Syrian troops -- who booted Aoun out of the country -- paved the way for his return to Beirut.

"It is a day of joy... I return as the sun of liberty shines anew to rebuild, together, a new Lebanon," Aoun said in a brief statement at the airport.

Thousands of his supporters, many of them youths, massed in Beirut's central Martyrs' Square, where Aoun was later due to address a rally to offer his vision of the country's future.

Aoun, who led a bloody uprising against Syrian forces before his exile, has said he has a package of reform proposals to overhaul Lebanon's political landscape which remains dominated by sectarian loyalties.

His supporters among Lebanon's large Christian minority compare Aoun to Charles de Gaulle on his return to a liberated France in 1945 after the last German soldier marched out.

However, his critics resent his airs of grandeur and populism, dubbing him "Napolaoun".

His return has ruffled some members of the Lebanese opposition, namely Druze leader Walid Jumblatt who accused Aoun of wanting to take credit for the Syrian pullout that was completed April 26 ending 29 years of military domination.

"The assassination of Hariri secured the Syrian withdrawal, not the man who is returning to us this afternoon like a tsunami," Jumblatt told reporters earlier Saturday.

Former prime minister Rafiq Hariri was killed in an explosion on February 14, which the opposition blamed on Syria and its allies in Lebanon. Massive protests and international pressure that followed forced Syria to withdraw from Lebanon.

Aoun critics fear his return will disrupt Lebanon's fragile political structure.

On the eve of his return, an explosion rocked Lebanon.

Strike against Catholic radio station and church in Lebanon

Two people killed and 27 injured in explosion. The headquarters of “Voice of Charity” and the church of St John the Apostle are destroyed.

Beirut (AsiaNews) – A pure manifestation of hate. This is how Fr Fadi Tabet, Marronite missionary and director-general of “Voice of Charity” – the only Christian radio station in Lebanon – described an explosion which only a few hours ago destroyed the radio headquarters and the ancient church of St John the Apostle. Two people were killed in the blast in the city of Jounieh north of Beirut.

Fr Tabet said: “This crime is an offence against God, man and Lebanese society. A pure manifestation of hate.” The radio station has already resumed broadcasts from another base. The church of St John the Apostle has been almost completely destroyed: a historic altar and picture of the apostle John were burned in the explosion; both were considered works of internationally renowned artistic value. The explosive was planted in an abandoned house close by the radio. Already four bombs have gone off in Christian areas in Lebanon since the assassination of former Prime Minister Hariri on 14 February; three people were killed and around 40 wounded in the strikes.

The Lebanese population has unanimously condemned the attack, not least because the radio has never been accused of fanaticism; even Muslim sources say it is a good instrument of inter-religious dialogue. The damage done is estimated to be around 15 million US dollars.

In Lebanon, preparations continue for the return of General Michel Aoun after 15 years of political exile in France. Contacted by telephone by AsiaNews, General Aoun said: “This explosion is a new appeal to consciences so that they may leave the country in peace”. The general confirmed his return to Lebanon today, reiterating his whole-hearted decision in the desire “to keep the flame of the 14 March revolution alive”.

On 14 February, Christian, Sunnite and Druse forces united to ask for the withdrawal of Syrian military forces and the resignation of the government, considered close to Damascus. Thanks to pressure from the UN Security Council, the last soldiers returned to Syria on 30 April. Nevertheless, many suspect that agents of the Syrian Secret Services are still present in the country. (YH)

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