American CNI delegation visits Ardi fair

Members of the American Council for the national interest foundation including former American Ambassador Jack Matlock, a deservedly well-regarded retired senior diplomat, paid a visit to the massive arts and crafts fair-Ardi- organized in the Dahiyeh by the rural development arm of Hizbullah's ‘Jihad al-Binaa'.

CNI members took a tour around the acre or so of tables laid out of small food-processors and artisans from throughout Lebanon displaying and selling their wares.
During this tour, we interviewed Mrs. Rebecca Matlock, wife of Former Ambassador and member of CNI.

Asking Mrs. Matlock about her opinion on the fair and the diversity of people participating and visiting the fair, she said that it is very impressive to see people from the different regions and religions of The Lebanese Republic present in one place, working and cooperating together.

"I never knew such a fair with all this diversity exists here in Beirut. It is very nice to see the people united together".

On going back to the land and the use of natural products and fighting the "tins and cans" food policy, Mrs. Matlock said that it is an important step towards reviving nature and bringing hand-made products to the consumers- she was impressed by the variety of products especially the hand-made soap which is processed from organic material".

Mrs. Matlock stressed that such efforts are very constructive especially for the coming generations.

In addition, Carlton Cobb, team coordinator, said the fair was amazing and impressive and stated such efforts are positive and productive on all levels.

Franklin Lamb, Director of the Washington-DC, Beirut Lebanon Sabra-Shatila Foundation and Journalist accompanied the CNI delegation to the fair.

Asking him about the importance of such an activity, Mr. Lamb said is an important opportunity for the people of the rural areas and suburbs to bring in their hand-made goods they strived to produce and sell it in the city. Not only that but also Mr. Lamb said Ardi fair is a form of unity and cooperation the country needs.

He also added that the fair is- in different ways- a means of resistance as farmers and laborers make every effort to present their best; they struggle in life to fulfill needs and be a integrated society.

Different delegations have visited Ardi fair as well as other delegations from various parts of the world will be visiting the fair which extends until the 5th of November.