63rd World Newspaper Congress, 17th  World Editors Forum, Info Services Expo 2010

Dear Colleagues,

We at the An-Nahar newspaper are extremely pleased to have been given the opportunity to host the 2010 World  Newspaper Congress, World Editors Forum and Info Services Expo.

In agreeing to take on this great challenge, we are realizing the dream of my father, Gebran Tueni, who was a Board member of the World Association of Newspapers until his assassination in 2005.  To see this dream come true today is quite thrilling for us.

We are very happy to invite you to attend the 63rd Congress and 17th Forum in Lebanon from 7 to 10 June 2010.

Lebanon, a small country located in the East Mediterranean, is mentioned in ancient manuscripts as an essential part of the old world. It is the homeland of the Phoenicians, who sailed the Mediterranean and were famous for the creation and dissemination of the first phonetic Alphabet and for their advanced maritime and trading skills.

Lebanon is a land of cultural diversities, and a people with the "Phoenix" characteristic: rising up from the ashes over and over again. Some travelers to our country describe their experience as a journey in distance and in time, to both the past and the future. Modern Lebanon is still as vibrant as it ever was. Our capital Beirut has resurrected from several wars and assaults and has regained its reputation as a compelling tourist and business destination. It is back as an international connection point.  Famous for its splendid atmosphere and vivacious life by day and by night, the city was nominated by UNESCO as the 2009 World Book Capital. Lebanon also just hosted the Sixth Francophone Games, with the participation of 3,000 athletes, youths, and artists from 56 French speaking countries and also 14 observer countries.

To its people with an inborn sense of generous hospitality, Lebanon is known as "Heaven on Earth". The country offers a unique travel experience. Everyone who visits this small, breathtaking country returns with a story to tell, and manyfond and lasting memories.

Looking forward to seeing you all in Lebanon!

Nayla Tueni
Member of the Board
Deputy General Manager
An-Nahar