MP ABBAS HACHEM AND DR PIERRE RAFFOUL IN MELBOURNE
| Friday the 7th March 2008. The FPM delegation arrived
in Melbourne to begin a busy four day program that includes official and
celebratory engagements. The visit commenced with a cocktail hosted by
the city of Maroondah and it's Mayor of Lebanese origin, Mr Tony Dib.
Present were many officials, members of the Australian Lebanese community
and local government officials, State and Federal MP's. Mr Abbas was presented
with a plaque by the city and watered the Cedar tree planted by MP Brahim
Kanaan in 2006, and watered by MP Salim Aoun in 2007. The UALM presented
the city of Maroondah with a painting of the Lebanese Flag as a symbol
of the strong ties between the city of Maroondah and the Australian Lebanese
Community. On Friday night the FPM members and friends gathered at the
home of Victorian President Charbel Radi for a traditional Lebanese party
that included a lavish banquet, speeches and a question and answer session.
Mr Radi's house is no stranger to such events having hosted many FPM delegates
over many years.
For photo's of the event, click here: |
| On Sunday the 9th March 2008 the UALM in conjunction with Pax Christi
held a public Forum Titled "Lebanon within the Middle East - dialogue
the solution to conflict". Speakers included Mp Abbas Hachem, Professor
Camelleri, Dr Kamran Mofid and Mr Antoun Hindi. It was a well attended
and interesting forum with many questions asked from those present. Marhaba
Lubnan celebrated it's 6th Birthday with Mp Abbas Hachem and Dr. Pierre
Raffoul as special guests. The radio program, devoted to the promotion
of a free and independent Lebanon and to espousing the principles of the
FPM has aired over 300 programs. Just over 400 people crowded St George Church Hall for the celebration which included a lavish dinner, entertainment and speeches by the program Director Faouzi Abouchaya, journalist Nakhle Bittar as well as Dr. Pierre Raffoul. MP Abbas Hachem spoke about the situation in Lebanon and about the need for the Lebanese to unite, promising the future would be bright and the FPM would work for a strong Lebanon. Al Zaglool Antoine Barsouna had the house screaming with applause as he recited a heartfelt and passionate speech for the occasion which can be heard by visiting www.marhabalubnan.org. On Monday the UALM in Victoria hosted a cocktail at St Georges hall to thank some of our supporters who are always there to assist the UALM in many ways throughout the year. Mr Hachem and Mr Raffoul spoke about the situation in Lebanon and answered many questions from the guests. The evening ended with a dinner in honour of the visiting delegation by Consul General of Lebanon to Melbourne, Mr Mohamad Skeini. The delegation left for the Australian capital Canberra on Tuesday morning the 11th March 2008. United Australian Lebanese Movement Victoria. |
