BEIRUT: Former Prime Minister Omar Karami died Thursday morning at the age of 80.
Karami, from the northern city of Tripoli, died at the American University of Beirut Medical Center after a long illness.
The Karami family announced the passing of the former politician in a statement in the early hours of the morning.
"We have lost the most precious of people: a good husband, father and grandfather," the family said.
Karami was born on March 7, 1935, in Tripoli, Lebanon's second largest city. He is the son of Abdul-Hamid Karami, one of the most prominent figures in Lebanon's history, who played a critical role in achieving the country's independence in 1943. Abdul-Hamid Karami served as prime minister in 1945, becoming a leading figure in Lebanon’s political arena. His sons, Omar and Rashid, carried on their father's legacy and became involved in politics.