Information Minister Melhem Riachi asserted Sunday that "Lebanon could only rise through the State."

Speaking at a conference marking "Greater Lebanon's Centenary" organized under his auspices by the "Sacred Family University" in Batroun, Riachi said, "Many have tried to deprive Lebanon of the quality of greatness but have failed. Their plots have been defeated by the will of a people who refused to be isolated, paving the way for the project of building the State."

Riachi stressed that the State alone is capable of building Lebanon, noting that Greater Lebanon is a significant landmark in history, marked by values, courage and fraternity.

"Yes gentlemen, Greater Lebanon illustrates the courage of love for the other, the courage of acceptance and recognition of the other," he added, stressing that "Lebanon is the guarantee for all."

Riachi recalled that Greater Lebanon was proclaimed a hundred years ago by the great Patriarch Elias Hoayek, amidst unanimous support of the people and wise management of the Prelate, surrounded by international support.

 

It is to note that the conference was organized within the framework of preparations underway for the first centenary of the proclamation of the "State of Greater Lebanon", attended by several political, religious and prominent figures.

In her address on the occasion, NNA Director Laure Sleiman Saab, who led the conference, said that the declaration of Greater Lebanon was the result of huge efforts by Maronite Patriarch Elias Hoayek during his tours abroad.

"Patriarch Hoayek, citizen of our region, Batroun, has elaborated his project for Greater Lebanon as a homeland message and witness to coexistence among all religious communities in utter freedom, dignity and respect for pluralism, thus realizing the wish of all Lebanese," she added.

According to her, the message of Pope John Paul II will be restored thanks to his sons and Patriarch Béchara Boutros Rahi, who is playing a pioneering role in this respect.

In turn, USF President Sister Hilda Chlala congratulated the Lebanese on Independence Day, hoping that Lebanon would overcome the difficult obstacles and remain a united nation characterized by mutual life of coexistence, preaching the culture of conviviality of love and constructive dialogue between its different components.

Chlala thanked Minister Riachi for patronizing the conference, noting that his presence proved his national belonging and his belief and commitment to Greater Lebanon as a nation for all its citizens

Source: NNA