The Cabinet failed on Thursday to discuss Lebanon's Janna dam during today's meeting, postponing talks on the project until next week.
"Ministers didn't reach a decision regarding the Janna dam and the session ended, and now the Cabinet is drowning in the dam and doesn't know how to swim," Telecommunications Minister Boutros Harb said following the meeting.
Meanwhile, Minister of Education Elias Bou Saab said that Prime Minister Tammam Salam has asked that "the issue be moved away from the spotlight."
For his part, Minister of Foreign Affairs Gebran Bassil said that "no one will be able to stand in the way of the Janna dam," adding that the "project is underway."
Prior to the session, Administrative Development Affairs State Minister Nabil De Freije said that the Janna dam must be discussed “technically and not politically” in order to solve this issue.
For his part, Minister of Education Rony Araiji said that the Janna dam issue is “vital” and must be discussed in an objective way.
Meanwhile, Minister of Environment Mohammad Machnouq said that he is “open for discussions” over the Janna dam, adding that politics should not interfere in this issue.
As for Minister of Agriculture Akram Chehayeb, he noted that the Janna dam would be “beneficial for the country,” adding that it will provide the regions of Jbeil and Beirut with electricity and water.
This as Minister of Industry Hussein al-Hajj Hassan noted that he backs the construction of the Janna dam “since the country needs water,” adding that he is willing to discuss all technical studies in this regard.
For his part, Minister of Energy Arthur Nazarian noted that “there is no water without dams,” adding that he will hold a press conference on Friday to brief the Lebanese people about his opinion in this regard.
Also, Bou Saab said that” the other side is using the Janna dam issue in order to cover the scandals of Ministry of Telecommunication.”
“We will discuss this issue technically and with no prior positions,” he added.