Qlayaat: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said from Qlayaat Airport: "We meet in the north of the country, but our eyes remain on the south. We are not standing in front of a runway, but in front of a fully political and developmental decision to ensure that the Akkar region is no longer outside the state's development priorities."
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, PM Salam highlighted the historical neglect faced by the Akkar region, despite its contributions to the nation. He emphasized that the deprivation and marginalization experienced by Akkar are not mere rhetorical descriptions but realities supported by statistics. The development of Qlayaat Airport is central to achieving balanced development in the region. Salam expressed optimism that the airport's operation would generate new opportunities in employment, transport, and trade, clarifying that it is not meant to serve as an alternative to Beirut Airport, with flights expected to commence soon.
Salam further remarked on the symbolic significance of the location, noting that it was where the National Pact document was adopted and Rene Moawad was elected President of the Republic. Reviving the airport is seen as a restoration of the state's meaning and the Taif Agreement. While development is crucial, Salam stressed that completing the Taif Agreement requires more than just economic reforms. It necessitates the state extending its authority over all territories through its forces and ensuring exclusive control of weapons by the state, as outlined in the agreement.
Salam concluded his remarks with a strong message of inclusion and progress, stating, "No more forgotten regions from today onward."