The Ministry of Information celebrated last night (Wednesday) the 80th foundation anniversary of Radio Lebanon, at an event held at The Legend Venue in Nahr el-Kalb, under the auspices of President of the republic Michel Aoun, represented by Minister of Information Melhem Riachy.

"Radio Lebanon is not a traditional radio station. It is rather a school of information, arts, music, and culture," Minister Riachy said in his word.

"Radio Lebanon does not reach all the Lebanese today; but we promise them that by 2018, Radio Lebanon shall reach 95% of the Lebanese territories," he vowed.

"We also promise that radio drama is coming back, via Radio Lebanon, this fall," he added.

"Radio Lebanon will be reflecting the model of Lebanon and Lebanon the model, which, at a time when the East is agonizing, Lebanon stands as a model of coexistence," he said.

"This is a decision that the Lebanese have taken," he stressed.

The event was attended by a panel of politicians, military and security figures, and journalists.

It included an honoring for the French Embassy in Beirut, represented by newly-appointed Ambassador to Lebanon Bruno Foucher, who indicated that cooperation between France and Lebanon in the field of media means was a strong pillar in the two countries' ties.

He also hailed Riachy's initiative to mitigate tension between the Lebanese and the Syrian refugees.

"The Lebanese have proven a great sense of hospitality, yet they remain firm as to the refugees' return, which is obligatory once it is possible," the diplomat said

Source: NNA