El Marada Australia held a forum on "The Media and its Interconnection with Lebanon"

El Marada Australia Movement initiated an unprecedented move for a political party in Australia by organising and hosting the first Arabic media forum in Sydney under the title "The Media and its Interconnection with Lebanon."

Guests included Lebanon's Consul General to Sydney Mr Robert Naoum, Maronite Catholic Society President Mr Samir Kazzi, WLCU Vice President Mr Michel Douaihy, President of the Syrian Socialist National Party Mr Ahmad Ayoubi, Free Patriotic Movement official Mr Mohamed Derbas, Australian Lebanese National Council President Dr Ghassan Ashi, the Lebanese Communist Party, Association of Zgharta President Mr Antoine Gittany, Zgharta Ladies Committee President Mrs Alia Halabi, representatives from the Miriata Association, Beirut Islamic Association, Herald newspaper Public Relations officer Mr Akram Maghoush, Dr Paul Tabar, DR Mustafa Allam Eddine, Mrs Bahia Abu Hamad, Author Nagui-amal Elwasfi and a number of community leaders and members.

Speakers were Marada Political Bureau Member Mrs Vera Yammine (Live via phone link from Lebanon) Editor Mr Boutros Indari, El-Telegraph Editor-in-chief Mr Antoine Kazzi, An-Nahar Editor-in-chief Mr Anwar Harb, Al-Anwar Editor-in-chief Mr Sayed Mikhael. MC was El Marada Australia Secretary Mr Sarkis Karam.

Presentations focused on the role played by the Arabic press in Australia, its history, development, importance and its outlook for the future.

Following the speakers' presentations a questions and answers session commenced allowing the editors and attendees to engage in a constructive discussion.

El Marada Australia Executive Committee President Mr Elias Chidiac presented the speakers with appreciation awards as token for their participation in the forum and their valuable contribution to the community in general.The forum concluded with a cocktail reception.

Sarkis Karam speaking at the Forum