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Oct 24, 2002
We know what it takes to make Summits happen!
77 Heads of States at the InterContinental
Phoenicia for the past 7 months…

March 12, 2000, the InterContinental Phoenicia re-opened after 25 years of
closure.

March 23, 2002, the InterContinental Phoenicia welcomes Ministers and
Heads of States, hosting the 14th Arab League Summit.

October 18th, 2002, the InterContinental Phoenicia is the official venue for
the 55 Heads of States coming for the IX Francophonie summit in Beirut.

Following 2 years after its reopening, the InterContinental Phoenicia
regained its position as the Local, Regional and International Conference
Center.

After successfully hosting the Arab League Summit, the InterContinental
Phoenicia has welcomed 55 heads of States from around the world who
convened in its Grand Ballroom for the IX Francophonie Summit.

500 million people, from Mali to Quebec, from the Caribbean to Algeria, and
from France to Cameroon, have watched closely the event on television.

One of the biggest historical events to take place in Lebanon has been
closely monitored by around 500 million people, from Mali to Quebec, from
the Caribbean to Algeria, and from Belgium to Cameroon

The dedication of all the Team Members of the InterContinental Phoenicia
made this event a true success. Preparations started on all the levels of
the Organization, including special protocols and service standards
trainings, internal management organization, etc…. On the organizational
level, a committee has been established from within the hotel to liaise with
the Lebanese government in order to evaluate the situation and set up the
necessary plans and strategies: logistics, security, reservations,
preparations, etc.

The hotel hosted delegations from the following countries: France, Canada,
New Brunswick, Luxembourg, Guinea Bissau, CF Belgium, Sao Tome, Guinea,
Federal Belgium, Senegal, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Djibouti, Gabon, Tunisia,
Cameroon, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Czech Republic, Suisse,
Egypt, Benin, Lebanon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lithuania,
Seychelles, Vietnam, Togo, Quebec, Maurice, Morocco, Monaco, Mali,
Cambodia, Côte d’Ivoire, Vanuatu, Laos, Burundi, Central African Republic,
Congo Brazzaville.

On October 21st, 2002, the InterContinental opened its doors again to its
valued clientele to discover the new francophonie-flavoured recipes in all
its restaurants.

Facts & Figures:
? In 1880, the geographical expert Mr. Onesime Reclus came up with the
idea of a Francophonie summit in order to describe the tradition and habits
of the francophone world and French colonies.
? 170 million of people speak French; it is the second talking language just
after the English.
? 500 million people are Francophone (living in the 55 countries)

History:
? 1986: the I° summit held in Paris
? 1987: the II° summit held in Canada (decision taken to hold the summit
every two years)
? 1989: the III° summit held in Dakar
? 1991: the IV° summit held in Paris
? 1993: the V° summit held in Maurice
? 1995: the VI° summit held in Cotonou
? 1997: the VII° summit held in Hanoi
? 1999: the VIII° summit in Monkton
? 2002: the IX° summit held in the most glorious city in the Mediterranean
BEIRUT, and specifically at the InterContinental Phoenicia.

For further press information and supporting photography, please contact:
Six Continents Hotels (BGB - agency):
Virginia Webb
Email: virginia@bgb.co.uk
Tel: +44 20 7233 2300

http://www.pressoffice.sixcontinentshotels.com/view_release.cfm?id=681