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Welcome to the United Australian Lebanese Movement: Articles

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Lebanese Tourism Minister in Australia

Lebanese Tourism Minister Fadi abboud

The Hummus Wars go global 22/02/2010 For too many years Lebanon was synonymous with war; this notion needs to be forgotten because Lebanon is back. A global tourist destination, with 2009 being a record year, clocking up close to 2 million visitors in a country of 3.5 million. Situated on the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, it is a perfect blend of beaches and lush mountains boasting itself as the only country in the Middle East with no desert. With facilities ranging from chic beach and ski resorts in an amazing blend of East and West. A place where you can enjoy a swim on the beach and in as little as an hour drive up the highest mountain range in the Middle East and play in the snow. International hotels, modern restaurants, stylish clubs & pubs and a history dating thousands of years from a civilization that gave the world the Alphabet; everything is close in this tiny country, with the most amazing destinations all within driving distance of the capital Beirut. The New York Times voted Beirut as the Number 1 destination for 2009, citing it’s scenery, restaurants and a lively night-club scene now labeled as amongst the best in the world, hosting the likes of Paris Hilton and Snoop Dogg. Mr Fadi Abboud, Lebanon’s Tourism Minister and former head of the Industrialists Association, who is currently touring Australia, is passionate about promoting Lebanon. He recently organized two Guinness Book of Records events, including the world’s largest Tabouli and Hummus, events in a saga the international media has been labeling as “the Hummus Wars”. Fadi Abboud, is planning to raise a lawsuit to stop Israel from marketing Hummus and other dishes as Israeli. Hummus is a spread made from cooked and mashed chickpeas, usually blended with sesame paste, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic. Eaten in the Middle East for centuries, the Lebanese claim it as their own and it's a central part of their cuisine. It has also become enormously popular in Israel, common in everyday meals and served in many Israeli restaurants as well as becoming popular internationally. "It is not enough they (Israelis) are stealing our land. They are also stealing our civilization and our cuisine," said Abboud. Abboud said there have been numerous complaints by Lebanese businessmen that Israel was exporting and marketing Lebanese dishes as Israeli. Abboud advises that Lebanon’s food industry group has submitted an official request to the Ministry of Economy for a registration process to brand Hummus — a procedure that could take "up to a year." He said the branding would open the door for any legal action by the Lebanese government. Abboud said his group wants a Lebanese branding for several dishes, including Hummus, the eggplant spread Baba Ghannouj and Tabouli, a salad made of chopped parsley and tomatoes. "We cannot sue until we have registered the products. First Lebanon must register the products so it becomes property right," Abboud said. He predicted an uphill battle, particularly over Hummus — which along with Israel, Palestinians also claim as its own. "We don't have to win. The important thing is to try," he said of the legal action. Lebanon’s Tourism Minister Fadi Abboud is currently in Australia and is available for interview. Media contact: Labib Abraham The United Australian Lebanese Movement M: 0413 748 657 E: secretarygeneral@ualm.org.au W: http://www.ualm.org.au Please click here to view more articles.