Today, the town of Hosh Tal Safia, Baalbek inaugurated an artesian well that will provides the village and the nearby with water supply; a project funded by the RLTT and under the auspices of the President and General Manager Engineer Nassif Seklaoui.
The ceremony was attended by members of the Administration Committee; Eng. Georges Hobeika, Eng. Issam Salman, Leaf Tobacco Manager Mr. Abdel Mawla El Mawla, Agriculture Manager Eng. Jaafar Al Husseini, Head of Agriculture Department and Agriculture in Bekaa Eng. Hassan Hamade. As well, several notable such as chief of municipalities, mayors, and local responsible were present.
Mr. Mahmoud Muaouia delivered a welcome speech; wherein he thanked the RLTT for its contribution to this project. As well, Eng. Al Mawla spoke on behalf of the RLTT, complimenting the hospitality of the people, and explaining that this project comes within the program of sustainable development that the establishment is executing. The program covers every Lebanese village engaged in the tobacco farming; from Akkar to Bekaa and South. He then gave the regards of the President and General Manager Engineer Nassif Seklaoui who was behind the decision made about the continuity of this project.
After the ceremony the attendees joined a cocktail reception before moving to the well’s location in order to operate it.
tatue and prayers by Archbishop Al Hajj, Pastor Abras, and Father Bassil, there was organized a candlelight walk then the National Anthem was played.
During the ceremony Mr. Seklaoui made a speech, in which he said: “while the region witnesses the destruction of churches, worship houses, shrines, and tombs, we are overwhelmed to raise the statue of Virgin Mary in the occasion of her assumption, and especially here in Tyre; assuring that we are sons of faith.”
As well, Archbishop Al Hajj, Pastor Abras spoke for the occasion.
During his speech, Pastor Abras greeted the crowd in this holiday in which “the figure of Virgin Mary raises next to the fishermen’s boats in order to bless them, protect them from dangers, and look upon us and the city with mercy, opening her arms calling for peace in this world. Hoping this heavenly reunion would last between the sons of God who look for the real worship path away from severity, selfishness, and hatred.”
While Archbishop Al Hajj spoke underlining “this divine festival prevailed with joy in which we gather as sons of this city under the shades of clemency, forgiveness, and love. We consecrate such behavior while heading all together to meet God, wearing the robe of shame without discrimination or strife. We shall settle Tyre, along with its men, as a city that generously embraces everybody, just like the fishermen and the sea who give without condition. Shall the benedictions of this gathering and this holiday overwhelm us all.”
In turn, the chief on the fishermen syndicate Mr. Khalil Taha spoke and thanked President Berri for his generous participation and the Regie for the sponsorship, ensuring that fishermen offer the real example of fraternity and love between different sects.
During his speech, Husseini expressed his joy to see “such divine gathering in which were are reunited today with the blessings of Virgin Mary in order to tell the world that religions are one and God is only. However, those who seek violence do not wish for peace and love to prevail, rather they prefer to see killings and war everywhere. Nevertheless, Tyre will always be loyal for the promise of living together in peace it once made to Imam Moussa Sadr.”
Fishermen had raised Lebanese flag over their boats, while special light effects were showed.
Following the ceremony, a concert was held with the participation of Toni Kiwan.