Al-Rai calls for investment in rural infrastructure

Maronite Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rai called on the Lebanese government to invest in infrastructure in rural areas to promote tourism following the decline of agriculture, during an inspection tour. \"The development of the Lebanese rural areas promotes ecotourism and deepens communication between the regions,\" he said during the tour, which took in Jaba,Tannourine, Hezron, Diman, Moheet el Aarz and Ainata. Echoing his comments Patriarch Archbishop Atallah called for government action to improve the lives of rural inhabitants and their livelyhoods. \"This requires action from the state to develop the rural areas, reinforce its sons, enhance livelihood resources, and develop the infrastructure facilities. The most important of which are the roads, and electricity and the like,\" he added. Al-Rai\'s tour began in Diman before making his way to the Al Rab Church, where he was welcomed by crowds and Bishop Semaan Atallah. \"This deprived region that has rare natural and environmental factors, which qualifies it for a special role in tourism. The suffering of the people, and the decline of the agricultural sector, and the agricultural roads are all issues which need to be rehabilitated to facilitate the citizens’ transportation,\" added Bishop Atallah.