Nayla Mouawad Laments Political Situations as Connelly Tours Ehden

Former minister Nayla Mouawad on Sunday stressed that “a lot of Lebanese people reject everything happening nowadays and are struggling to restore their history, values, ethics, independence, and most importantly their freedom which has become a key element in the Arab Spring.”

Mouawad also called for seeking “another spring -- the spring of Lebanon.”

The former minister’s remarks were voiced during a visit to the Ehden region by U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly. The U.S. envoy visited slain president Rene Mouawad’s residence and toured several natural and religious landmarks in the area, accompanied by ex-minister Mouawad and her son Michel, the chief of Independence Movement.

“Through this visit, we wanted to introduce the U.S. ambassador to this region and its deep-rooted history, which took us to the Qozhaya Monastery, an important site for religious tourism and one of the most important landmarks in Lebanon and the Middle East,” Mouawad added.

The former minister said the monastery “reflects the image and history of this region, the history of the Qannoubine Valley and the history of Christians in this region, especially the Maronites.”

“Unfortunately, the current events do not bear a resemblance to us at all. We must close ranks and enjoy common values and principles in order to restore our history and play the important role that has always characterized us, with the help of our Arab brothers and friendly countries, topped by the United States,” Mouawad added.

For her part, Connelly thanked the former minister and her son Michel for the warm welcome she received, expressing her admiration of the beautiful natural surroundings of Ehden.