The Lebanese presidency dominated discussions during the cabinet meeting which took place Thursday at the Grand Serail under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Tammam Salam. The meeting’s agenda included 178 items of which the council agreed on 168 and postponed 18 until another meeting.
After the session was concluded, Minister of Interior Nohad Machnouq denied what has been circulated about the possibility of having a security incident and about postponing the parliamentary session scheduled on the 31st of October to elect a new president.
Minister of Telecommunications Boutros Harb declared that cellular companies’ contracts will be the first item on the next session’s agenda.
For his part, Minister of Education Elias Abou Saab stated that the meeting was positive and that discussions with all parties will carry on, emphasizing the importance of Amal movement’s decision.
Positions before the meeting
Prior to the session, Minister of Industry Hussein Hajj Hassan denied reports saying that Hezbollah is seeking to postpone the next parliamentary session tasked to elect a new president set on October 31, dubbing such rumors as “irresponsible media fabrications.”
For his part, Minister of Agriculture Akram Chahayeb said that the Democratic gathering will issue a clear stance over the presidential elections on Saturday after the bloc’s meeting.
Meanwhile, Minister of Culture Roni Arayji said that he will partake in the next parliamentary session tasked to elect a new president, adding that he is waiting for MP Saad Hariri’s endorsement for Aoun in order to comment on this matter.
This as Minister of Energy Arthur Nazarian said that the session’s agenda does not include the power tariffs.
As for Minister Education Elias Bou Saab, he denied reports saying that Minister of Foreign Affairs Gebran Bassil might partake in today’s session.