Beiruting News

Lebanon is experiencing growth in tourism despite the myriad of political problems, Tourism Minister Michel Pharaonsaid Monday.

"Despite all the problems facing the country, tourism witnessed a growth of 25 percent over the past nine months," Pharaon said during a ceremony at the Sports andCulture Club in theJbeil district town of Qartaba.

He said the growth was owed to civil society, non-governmental organizations and the private sector, as well as the Lebanese Army's role in fighting terrorism along the border with Syria.

Pharaon warned that recent attacks in Tunisia,Kuwait andFrance should put more responsibilities on "our shoulders."