MP Ziad al-Hawat received today at his Byblos office the United States Ambassador to Lebanon, Lisa Johnson, in the presence of Byblos Mayor Wissam Zaarour.
Talks during the visit touched on the general situation prevailing in the country.
Referring to the prominent Lebanese city of Jbeil, al-Hawat stressed that it provides ‘an example of cultural diversity and coexistence,’ adding that ‘despite all the difficult circumstances that Lebanon is witnessing, Jbeil is preparing to launch its tourism season with the approach of summertime.”
He noted that Byblos “can be an example for implementing expanded decentralization, as the political and economic renaissance it witnessed was the result of the non-exclusivity of decision-making and the integration and harmony among the work team that managed the city’s affairs.”
At the political level, al-Hawat underlined ‘the necessity of electing a president of the republic who possesses the characteristics of a strong president and plays a pivotal role in leading and sav
ing Lebanon.’
He also called for “the literal implementation of the Taif Accord and the removal of all illegal weapons,” considering that “some people’s adherence to the prevailing reality would push them to demand a change in the structure upon which Lebanon is based.’
The MP continued to emphasize the necessity of adopting ‘positive neutrality’ in Lebanon, considering that ‘our forceful involvement in the war in the south cannot end except by implementing international resolutions, especially 1701 and 1559.”
“Lebanon can no longer tolerate further economic and social collapse,” maintained al-Hawat.
He also touched on “Lebanon’s uniqueness and distinction in the region,” considering that “the Resistance axis project does not resemble us nor our culture, and the political battle we are waging is to preserve Lebanon’s cultural identity.”
The attendees later went on a Byblos tour following the meeting, where the American ambassador was briefed on the city’s landmarks and featured activities.
Source: Nati
onal News Agency – Lebanon