Ex-Lebanese Envoy Malik Dies

BEIRUT —  Former Lebanese Foreign Minister Charles Malik, a one-time ambassador to Washington, died today after a long illness, medical sources said. He was 81.

Malik, formerly a university professor of mathematics, physics and philosophy, was foreign minister from 1956-58. He was a Greek Orthodox Christian from the northern area of Koura and a former member of Parliament known for his strong pro-Western views. He headed Lebanon’s embassy in Washington between 1945 and 1953 and was a lifelong believer in strong ties between his country and the United States.