Beirut – Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri described the northern region of Akkar as an “example of national adherence” for standing by the state and preserving coexistence.

He said during an iftar dinner in the region that the area, which lies in the northernmost part of Lebanon near the border with Syria, is being prepared for the phase of the war-torn country’s reconstruction.

He acknowledged that Akkar “suffers more than others due to the economic lapse that affected the whole of Lebanon.”

The premier however hailed the locals for hosting scores of Syrian refugees “who have fled the hell of Bashar Assad and his murderous regime.”

“The next phase will be about reconstructing Syria after the nightmare against the heroic Syrian people is over,” declared Hariri.

He said that despite the hardships, the Akkar residents remained committed to the state and its sons form the backbone of the army and security institutions.

They have stood as a solid fortress against extremism and terrorism, he stressed.

He pledged that Akkar will witness an economic revival through offshore oil and gas exploration and the opening of the Rene Mouawwad airport in al-Qulaiyaat that will be vital in the reconstruction of Syria.