In a simple ceremony at his office today, the President of the Lebanese Republic, his Excellency, General Emile Lahoud, awarded the Ambassador of Cuba, Darío de Urra Torriente,  the National Order of the Cedar.

The Lebanese leader stated that he granted The National Order of the Cedar to the Cuban diplomat for the work that he has performed to develop friendly relationships and solidarity between the peoples of Cuba and Lebanon and for the support that Cuba has offered to his country against the Israeli aggressions.

President Lahoud highlighted the support received from Cuba in the forums and international events mainly by denouncing the Zionist enemy aggressions.

The Cuban Ambassador thanked the President for the solidarity expression of appreciation toward his country and he referred to the common qualities of our respective peoples, mainly the quality of the Lebanese resistance in front of the attempts of destabilizing the country and the aggressions of Israel, and the resistance of the Cuban people to reject the plans of the North American imperialism.

The Cuban diplomat also praised the unitary and constructive position of General Lahoud during his command and encourages him to continue behaving in that way until his term finishes so that Lebanese can build an united and happy nation, without strange interference.

The National Order of the Cedar was established in 1936 and it is awarded for services to Lebanon, acts of courage and public service

Embassy of Cuba, October 22 2007.