Diplomatic Doings, Page 55

L.A. Lebanese Consulate Hosts 66th Birthday Fete

Celebrating the 66th National Day of Lebanon are (l-r) Judge James Kaddo, outgoing Consul General of Lebanon in Los Angeles Houssam Diab and acting Consul Madonna Ghazal. (Staff Photo S. Twair)

MORE THAN 800 guests gathered Nov. 22 in the Grand Ballroom of Los Angeles’ historic Millennium Biltmore Hotel to celebrate the 66th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Lebanon. Amidst the gaiety, a sad note was struck when Consul General Houssam Diab announced he was returning to Lebanon.

Qatar’s Ambassador to the U.S. Ali Bin Fahad Al-Hajri (c) hosted a Dec. 17, 2009 reception at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Washington, DC to celebrate Qatar’s national day. The Episcopal Bishop of Washington Rev. John Bryson Chane and his wife, numerous diplomats and ambassadors, members of Congress and community members enjoyed the festive occasion. (Staff photo D. Hanley)

In fact, the popular diplomat already had transferred to Beirut, but flew that day to Los Angeles for the express purpose of bidding farewell to all the friends he had made over the past one-and-a-half years. He urged everyone to visit the new Web site <www.LebanonConsulateLA.org>.

Announcing that tourism is booming in Lebanon, the consul general urged all those present to come visit. Observed one guest, Dr. Roger Takla: “It’s raining hotels in Beirut to keep up with all the tourists arriving.”

—Pat McDonnell Twair