Khoury: Lebanese migrants renowned in all parts of the world

Caretaker Environment Minister, Nazem El-Khoury, underlined that the Lebanese emigrants became a legend in all parts of the world, lauding their remarkable role in the development and reconstruction of their mother country, Lebanon. Minister khoury's fresh words came Monday morning during his patronage of the inaugural ceremony of the Congress of the World Youth Committee of the World Lebanese Cultural Union, at Notre Dame Du Mont- Fatka. The inaugural ceremony took place in the presence of WLCU President, Michel Doweihi, WLCU former president, Eid El-Chedrawi, Bishop Boulos Sayyah, representing Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutrous Rahi, WLCU Secretary General, Toni Kaddissi, President of World Lebanese Cultural Union Youth in Argentina, Dimas Chantiri, National News Agency Director, Laure Sleiman Saab, in addition to scores of political, party, social and media dignitaries. The two-day conference takes place with the participation of hundreds of young people of Lebanese descent, coming from all over the world and visiting Lebanon for the first time. "In speaking of emigration, we shed two tears: On tear of sadness for those who stumbled and who were not lucky enough to reach what others managed to… and another tear of joy for those who achieved success of which we are always all proud of," Minister Khoury said. The Minister also heaped praises on the great economic role successfully played by Lebanese emigrants in their homeland, notably with regard to investments and development projects. "These young people are the future map and I have all hope in them to succeed," the Minister concluded. Secretary General of the World Lebanese Cultural Union (WLCU), Toni Kaddissi, said 'With this conference, we [ WLCU ] wanted young people of Lebanese descent to return to their roots and know the land of their parents and grandparents,' hoping that they would faithfully transmit this knowledge to their counterparts around the world. Kaddissi also noted that the visit of the young Lebanese emigrants to Lebanon today is to return to their roots to discover the identity of their motherland, its peculiarities, heritage and traditions. President of World Lebanese Cultural Union Youth in Argentina, Dimas Chantiri, expressed strong belief that the emigrants- especially the youth- have an essential task in the reconstruction of Lebanon for integration, development and peace. "We [Lebanese young emigrants] are ambassadors of Lebanese culture on every continent, asserting our identity and raising high the Lebanese flag," Chantiri said. "We want them at the end of this conference to return to their countries convinced that Lebanon needs them and they are fully trained to make a contribution, each in his/her place," Chantiri added. President of the World Lebanese Cultural Union, Michel Doweihi, said that they are meeting today in this conference to discuss together youth capacities to serve the motherland, saying the Lebanese young emigrants are the new ideology of this country and it's salvation project. "If Lebanon is really looking to end its problems, it should seek the help of the fruitful youth who have the vision of the new Lebanon… Lebanon the non-sectarian… Lebanon the professionalism and education… Lebanon the openness and skills" Doweihi stressed. Delivering a word on the occasion representing Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros Rahi, Bishop Sayyah relayed the Patriarch's greetings to the participating young Lebanese emigrants, expressing belief in their important role in building the future of their mother country. Bishop Sayyah indicated that Lebanon is a country of message enjoying coexistence among all religions. The senior Bishop said that Lebanon is a unique country where all the Lebanese, Christians and Muslims, live together away from what is so-called conflict of civilizations. "Lebanon distinguishes itself in its ability to accept and live with the other," Sayyah noted, calling on the Lebanese young emigrants to relay this remarkable message of Lebanon to their host countries. Sayyah also expressed confidence in the ability of the young Lebanese emigrants to achieve a difference in their homeland. "We hope with your help [emigrants], we can together continue to build Lebanon", Sayyah concluded. Renowned Media figure, Walid Abboud, also spoke on the occasion, whereby he summarized in his own words three main meanings for holding said conference, urging the Lebanese young emigrants to be messengers of the Lebanese cause wherever they exist and wherever they go. "We need you… We need your voice and your actions so that Lebanon is always our Lebanon… a Lebanon dedicated for you... Our Lebanon and your Lebanon is nothing but a single Lebanon," Abboud said. It is to note that the Conference held consecutive sessions Monday afternoon to form work committees related to the World Council, social action, press and communication, education and culture, in a bid to put forward recommendations and decisions to be finally adopted by the Conference. It is to note that the delegation's visit lasts from August 16 till 26, 2013, with participating young people coming from all over the world, namely from the United States of America, Australia, Britain, France, Argentine, Uruguay, Brazil, Chili, Colombia, Canada, Mexico, and Colombia.