Bassil to Lebanese community in Florida: Take pride in your roots

Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Minister, Gebran Bassil, promised the Lebanese community of Florida's Jacksonville a fully-fledged economic plan that allows distributors to engage in the national economy.

"We invite you to buy and consume Lebanese products and to contribute to the enhancement of national income and employment opportunities. You have preserved the Arabic language and Lebanese culture because this is part of your identity, so register yourselves in the consulates, regain the nationality of your ancestors, participate in the forthcoming elections, and be proud of your Lebanese origin," Bassil said in a word he gave yesterday evening at a dinner in Jacksonville upon the invitation of the Lebanese Embassy in Washington.

"The era of President Michel Aoun is one that intends to abandon the concept of the failed state that had caused the emigration of its children," Bassil added. "For us, politics is deeds and not words, and we consider the great expatriate wealth to be part of Lebanon's first wealth. To the Lebanese people, we say, we are proud of you and we promise to achieve change."

Bssil went on to regret that Lebanon had paid a dear price for international policies and settlements. "But today, Lebanon is determined to craft its own fate with its own hands. The culture of submissiveness and surrender caused your immigration and that of your ancestors, but it also led us to fall under the pains of occupation; however, we are determined to defeat the culture of surrender. We deem you partners in national decision making; therefore, we want you to boost your relationships among each other and with your motherland," Bassil said.

He also gave a briefing on the most important achievements of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates since assuming his duties as Foreign Minister. "We had set a number of goals that are already coming in. The International Energy Conference is an annual meeting that is being held annually in Beirut, followed by regional conferences in the countries of proliferation. Most importantly, we have refused attempts to unconstitutionally grant the Lebanese nationality to those who don't deserve it

Source: AFP