Aoun rejects this. Elias Hrawi is elected new president, Rafiq Hariri prime minister. Troops loyal to Aoun are defeated by Syrian army. Aoun is exiled to France. The Syrian-backed Lebanese army achieves a strong position in the country.
Peace seems to return to Lebanon.
Slow restructuring of Beirut starts. At this time 35,000 Syrian troops remains in Lebanon. The restructuring of Beirut met an archaeological ground, halting important parts of the plans. The Hizbu llah wins 8 seats. Israeli attack on southern Lebanon, Beirut, and the southern half of the coast.