Public Works and Transport Minister Fayez Rasamny denied on Friday rumors claiming he cut short his visit to Tripoli due to security threats linked to recent clashes in Syria’s Sweida province. Rasamny said his visit was completed as scheduled and focused on launching development projects at the city’s port.
“My visit was not disrupted,” the minister stated. “The entire agenda was executed as planned.”
A Lebanese website reported earlier that Rasamny had cut his visit short due to leaflets that were allegedly distributed in Tripoli before his arrival, threatening the Druze of Lebanon with reprisals in response to the clashes between Sunni Bedouin tribes and Druze in Sweida.
Earlier, former Prime Minister Najib Mikati addressed attempts to stir sectarian strife in Tripoli “through fabricated media campaigns connected to the unrest in Sweida.”
“There are renewed attempts to distort Tripoli’s image through rumors of sectarian strife, timed with events in Sweida,” Mikati said. “But these fabrications will not weaken Tripoli’s commitment to the state.” He emphasized that Tripoli remains a city united under the protection of the Lebanese state, welcoming all its residents and visitors regardless of their background.
During his tour, Rasamny inspected the port’s container terminal, passenger hall, maintenance docks, and cargo handling operations. He also oversaw the signing of a contract with SGS to install modern cargo scanners aimed at reducing smuggling and increasing customs efficiency.
“Tripoli Port is a vital national asset,” he said. “With the port and Rene Mouawad Airport in Qlayaat just 20 minutes apart, the North has the potential to become a regional logistics hub.”
He also underscored several upcoming projects: expanding the container yard, constructing fuel and grain storage facilities, installing floating docks, and activating the long-awaited Special Economic Zone.
“We believe in action, not just promises. You’ll see us here on the ground, not just in meetings,” Rasamny added.
The minister reaffirmed his commitment to continued infrastructure development across Tripoli, Akkar, and northern Lebanon, stressing the city’s importance in Lebanon’s broader economic recovery.
Comments