Foreign land ownership is a critical issue that could alter the demographic balance of Zgharta, Independence Movement leader Michel Moawad warned Monday.

Moawad urged municipal councils and political factions to join efforts to preserve the cultural identity of Zgharta district.

“Zgharta should remain open to its northern neighbors on the cultural, social and economic level while preserving its own identity,” Moawad said during his participation in the convention of Zgharta’s union of municipalities.

Moawad said the Independence Movement was planning in partnership with the union of municipalities an action plan to preserve the cultural identity of the district and promote local development.