Naharnet

Guidanian Apologizes after Saying Egypt is a 'Dirty Place'

Caretaker Tourism Minister Avedis Guidanian on Monday apologized to Egypt after describing the Arab country as a “dirty place.”

“In an interview with Lebanon's The Daily Star newspaper, I talked about the media's role in highlighting tourism's decent image, giving an example about the Arab Republic of Egypt,” Guidanian said in a statement.

“It contained a phrase resulting from an unintended expression, that's why I extend my deepest apology to the Arab Republic of Egypt and its presidency, government and people, stressing the depth of the relation with Egypt and wishing prosperity for this dear country,” the minister added.

In the interview, Guidanian had made a comparison between Lebanon's image and that of Egypt in the media.

“We love to say in the media that Lebanon is covered in trash, that the sea is polluted and that it’s the most expensive tourist destination in the world – well, you’ve ruined Lebanon’s image,” Guidanian told The Daily Star.

“I mean look at Egypt is there a place dirtier than it? People are louder than us, there is more traffic than here – people live in graves, OK? But there is tourism, because they know how to sell that country,” he added.


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