The Emir of Qatar, Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, came to south Lebanon Saturday to personally see how his country’s funds are helping to rebuild the area after the war between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006. He was accompanied by his wife, Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser al-Missned, as well as the Lebanese President, First Lady and Prime Minister.
REUTERS/Ali Hashisho
Upon arriving in the region, crowds of thousands gathered to greet the Emir. Many waved Qatar’s flag and held signs that read “Thank You, Qatar.”
“I am happy to be here, in this area that was rebuilt after it was destroyed,” Emir Hamad said in Bint Jbeil, one of the towns hit hardest by Israeli shellings.
During his visit, the Emir opened a hospital, a mosque and a church. He also visited Khiam prison, a former detention center used by Israel during the month-long conflict.
The Qatari visit came just one day after Saudi King Abdullah made an historic visit to Lebanon in order to diminish rising tensions in the country. A U.N. tribunal may indict Hezbollah members over the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, and Hezbollah has said it would not hand over anyone.
The Emir brought that up during the welcoming dinner last night at Baabda Palace, where President Michel Suleiman and his wife, Wafah, reside.
“We understand the sensitivity of this moment that accompanies our visit to Lebanon, as the clouds mount, and we pray to God they will clear peacefully.”
Emir Hamad is expected to stay in Lebanon until Sunday.
Sources: Al Jazeera, Daily Star Lebanon
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