Nawaf Salam inaugurates the lighting of the Raouche

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam inaugurated the Corniche Raouche lighting project on Wednesday evening, including Australia Street and adjacent streets, along the Beirut seafront, stating his intention to "celebrate the defeat of darkness."

'Today, we light up Raouche Street to celebrate the defeat of darkness, the return of the pulse in Beirut’s maritime vein," said Salam.

"This street, which shone during the golden years of the 60s in Beirut, and suffered and endured during the years of war, becomes a bridge between our past and our future," he said.

The prime minister took the opportunity to quote Lebanese poet Nadia Tueni: "Beirut has died a thousand times, and come back to life a thousand times."

"Today, once again, Beirut rises, lights up, and renews its pact with every heart that has loved it, and loved the beauty of its Raouche," he added.