The cabinet session was postponed Thursday until next Tuesday April 12, in order to continue discussions pertaining to the case of the State Security apparatus, after the ministers failed to reach an agreement in this regard.
Prime Minister Tammam Salam reiterated his call to elect a new president, noting that the presidential vacuum has been affecting the work of the state’s institutions.
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Industry Minister Hussein Hajj Hassan revealed that the debate over the case of the State Security apparatus ended without reaching an agreement, stressing that each party is adamant on its position.
For his part, Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq pointed out that “it has been easily decided that the sect of the State Security is more important that the country, the airport and the cabinet.”
In turn, Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil said that “there was no intentions to resolve the issue of the apparatus, but to dissolve the apparatus,” stressing that all apparatuses in the country are equally important.
Education Minister Elias Bou Saab stated that the State Security apparatus has never been invited to all meetings and its demands have always been disregarded, noting that this only means that there’s a decision to paralyze it.
Reactions prior to the session
Commenting on the issue of the illegal internet networks, Minister Wael Abou Faour said he will follow up on the case with Minister of Telecommunication Boutros Harb.
As for the issue of the State Security apparatus, State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mohammad Fneish declared that discussions will tackle the different points of view regarding the airport’s equipment, noting that the illegal internet file is more important.
Concerning the trial of former Minister Michel Samaha, Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq expressed his confidence in the Military Court of Cassation, pointing out that any ruling issued in this context will be fair.
Abduction of the two children
Commenting on the abduction of the two children and their presence at the Australian embassy, FM Bassil said that he will abide by the legal procedures in pursuing this case.
For his part, Interior Minister al-Mashnouq announced that the Australian TV crew is involved in the kidnapping of the children, noting that this case falls in the diplomatic circle.