Lebanese president launches long-awaited Bekaa development

Lebanese president Elias Hrawi on August 14 signed a decree launching development projects in the traditionally-neglected area of the northern Bekaa.

"Before I came, I signed a decree which we have been waiting for since independence: it is a decree which triggers the process of developing the area stretching from the Orontes to Ayoun Argash and Yammouneh," Hrawi said in a speech at the reopening of the Qaderi hotel in his hometown of Zahle.

The president used the occasion to respond to calls for civil disobedience, which have been centered in the Bekaa. "The government has ended the state of chaos and I will not be content until I see lawfulness having the upper hand.

"The government, which was set up to provide security and develop all regions, calls on people to engage in competition in the framework of agricultural and industrial and industrial economic activity," Hrawi added.

"With creative initiatives we build the country, rid ourselves of our suffering, and plan for a better tomorrow " he said.

"It is not acceptable to see any Lebanese undermining the state, which is making progress and achieving development at a time the nation is calling on us to close ranks vis-a-vis regional challenges," the president said.