Cabinet approves emergency funds for LAF, ISF

The Cabinet convened on Wednesday at the Baabda palace to discuss six items related to public expenditure and the rehabilitation of the Rafik Hariri International Hospital. The security issue in Tripoli was also discussed during the session though not included on the agenda.   

Sources told LBCI that the Cabinet approved 5 billion LBP for the LAF and 5.7 billion LBP for the ISF as emergency funds given the security situation in the country, notably in Tripoli.    

During the session, President Michel Suleiman commended the performance of military and security apparatuses during the northern incidents, confirming that the Lebanese General Security fulfilled its obligations by arresting the members of terrorist cell. “If there was a flaw in the adopted method, this could not be settled by releasing the detainees,” he stressed.  

It was earlier reported that ministers have not yet reached a consensus on the issue of public expenditure and will not reach any during today’s cabinet session.    
In this context, Minister Wael Bou Faour stressed that a settlement over public spending issue should be comprehensive.         

Interior Minister Marwan Charbel missed the session to head a secondary security council in Tripoli.      

Ahead of the session, President Suleiman and PM Najib Mikati held talks to discuss the general situation and latest events..