Ambassador Hale Inaugurates Renovated Byblos Citadel Tower
U.S. Ambassador David Hale participated on Tuesday in the opening of the renovated Main Tower of the Citadel at the archaeological site of Byblos, a media release said.
The inauguration was attended by Minister of Culture Raymond Arayji, Member of Parliament Simon Abi Ramia, District Commissioner of Jbeil Najwa Sweidan, Mayor of Jbeil Ziad Hawwat, and representatives from the Ministry of Culture and the U.S. Embassy.
Hale highlighted the importance of the preservation of archaeological sites in Lebanon and emphasized the Embassy’s longstanding commitment to these efforts.
“Since 2001, the American Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation has awarded grants in support of more than 700 projects to preserve cultural heritage in more than 120 countries in a demonstration of the depth of America’s respect for the cultural heritage of other countries,” said the Ambassdaor in remarks at the inauguration.
The Byblos Citadel Tower was renovated through a $93,895 grant from the U.S. Department of State’s Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP).
“The Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation embraced this project in Byblos because of our belief in the importance of preserving, remembering, and learning from our shared history,” added Hale.
“Byblos is known for a history that spans seven thousand years. It is a city that has seen war and peace, wealth and poverty, happiness and sorrow. Despite the hardships, through hope and determination over generations, the city persevered. Today, it reflects the talents, desires and values of all of Lebanon, with its thriving businesses and a passion for the arts and for historic preservation.”
“Unfortunately today, there is a group that challenges Lebanon’s values and stability. Da’ish seeks to prevail through hatred, intolerance, and barbarism. But we know that together we are stronger than Da’ish, because our shared values are more powerful than those of any extremist,” said the Ambassador.
“By upholding and defending our common values, such as peace and mutual respect, we will triumph. Societies flourish when it is possible for people to pursue their desires for a good education, a strong family, and a satisfying career. That is as much the story of ancient Byblos as it is of modern Lebanon.”
“The American Embassy works with the Lebanese people and government to help fulfill those values and achieve those desires and results. In just this year alone, we have given more than $70 million to help with such pressing needs as meeting demands for clean water and good education; more than $600 million to help Lebanon and its host communities cope with the burden of refugees; and more than $75 million to the Lebanese army so it can protect Lebanon’s borders and safeguard its citizens,” he concluded.
The AFCP works with countries around the globe to preserve cultural and religious heritage including historic sites, manuscripts, museum collections, and traditional forms of expression such as music, dance, and language.
Since 2003, the AFCP has funded 13 projects in Lebanon.
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