On Wednesday November 6, 2013, the Faculty of Law at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), in collaboration with the Iraqi Bar Association in Iraq, organized a ceremony to mark the occasion of the closure of the training session of Iraqi lawyers in international arbitration, international criminal law and international trade law. The training lasted for 5 days, and was attended by 71 lawyers. These lawyers were given training by several teachers from the Faculty, including Judge Marwan Karkabi and Judge Ralph Riachy.

The closing ceremony was attended by Mr. Mohammad Fayssal, President of the Iraqi Bar Association, Rev. Fr. Hady Mahfouz, President of USEK, Prof. Joe Karam representing the Bar Association in Beirut, Rev. Fr. Michel Abou Tacca, the General Secretary of USEK, the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Law, Rev. Fr. Talal Hachem, the Director of Studies,
Dr. Haitham Sakr, as well as several Iraqi Lawyers who participated in the session, and the team from the Faculty of Law at USEK.

Following the Iraqi and Lebanese national anthems, President Mohammad Fayssal initiated the ceremony by saying, “The Iraqi Association Bar, established in 1933, is characterized by its work and efficiency in maintaining the constitutional and legal order in Iraq.” He added: “This session was held in Lebanon because of the importance of this country in general, and because of the fact that USEK has so many relations and partnerships with the most important foreign universities.”

Rev. Fr. Hady Mahfouz, President of USEK, spoke next and said that the University was willing to interact with the whole world without exception. He added, “This session reflects the interaction between the people of the same region, and the same destiny we share, and through which we move forward.” He underlined the importance of this session in showing the quality of the Iraqi Bar Association, hoping that is would be followed by many other equally fruitful sessions.

At the end of this session, honorary shields were given out, and certificates were awarded to participants.