Ministers of Telecommunications and Information in the caretaker government, engineers Johnny Karam and Ziad Makari, launched the "Let's Dialogue" campaign on the occasion of "World Dialogue Day," which falls on July 12. The campaign aims to encourage dialogue and communication among the Lebanese by providing 30 minutes of free calls on the mobile network for both fixed lines and prepaid services on July 12, along with an increase of 50 gigabytes of internet use and 1,000 minutes of communication for fixed lines during July. "You dialogue, and the talk is on us. On World Dialogue Day, continue your conversations with 30 minutes of free calls on mobile on July 12 and, on fixed lines, with an increase of 50 gigabytes of internet and 1,000 minutes of calls from fixed to fixed throughout July. #LetsDialogue."
In a joint press conference held by the ministers at the Ministry of Telecommunications, a short film about the "Let's Dialogue" campaign was showcased. Minister Johnny Karam emphasized the importance of dialogue, stating, "Everyone knows the current situation in Lebanon, and we need to support and encourage dialogue, which is the only way to meet and resolve disputes." He continued, "The goals of this campaign arise from the chaotic situation in the country; ministries are facing multiple issues, and Prime Minister Najib Mikati always calls for the election of a president to organize institutions. However, the campaign is not solely for political purposes; it goes beyond that to call for dialogue between people, family, and friends, which is why we are launching the campaign."
For his part, Minister of Information Ziad Makari expressed that "Lebanon is a country accustomed to dialogue and meetings, and unfortunately, its structure is complicated. All of our crises can only be resolved through dialogue, including our constitutional entitlements." He affirmed that "dialogue is the primary motivation for the political and administrative life in the country and is not only related to electing a president, although we confirm the necessity of electing a president as it would help in the organization of institutions."
Makari added, "The political deadlock in the country is unhealthy; we are on the verge of summer tourism season thriving with expatriates and Arab and foreign tourists, with the Ministry of Tourism expecting the number of visitors to reach two million."
Makari confirmed that "the refusal of dialogue by some political forces is unhealthy, and these forces know that the deadlock can only be resolved through dialogue. Let’s take the initiative ourselves, sit at the same table to avoid the call for dialogue coming from abroad, let’s reach compromises, agree with one another, and be mature."
He concluded, "This campaign is a campaign of awareness and a reminder to all political forces that we are capable of coming together for the salvation of this country." #LetsDialogue
