Maalouf became the first Lebanese inducted as an one of the academy's "immortals" -- the 40 lifelong members tasked as guardians of the French language.

"I bring with me everything that my two homelands have given me: my background, my languages, my convictions, my doubts and, more than anything perhaps, my dreams of harmony, progress and co-existence," he said at his induction ceremony. [Link]

Khazen.org wishes to congratulate Amine Maalouf for this great achievement for Lebanon!