Aridi Slams Illegal Land Reclamation Along Lebanese Coast
Caretaker Transport and Public Works Minister Ghazi Aridi has said that illegal land reclamation on state properties along the Lebanese coast is ongoing and vowed to follow up on the issue no matter which political party interferes.
"These violations can never be the right way for promoting tourism in the country," he told a news conference at the ministry on Tuesday.
"Are these (the violations) a favor for Lebanese society and to improve tourism or (they are aimed at) categorizing people and violating their rights in using the beach?" Aridi wondered.
The minister showed reporters photos and video clips of violations that are taking place since several weeks on the coast of Byblos, north of Beirut.
He said it was not acceptable to encroach into government properties under the pretext of serving tourism Lebanon, especially since tourists are complaining about the expensive services.
"I am not talking about the violations of the government maritime properties which took place years ago but also about new ones," he added.