Bassil: There is disobedience at EDL by people who want to forcefully enter

In a press conference held Thursday afternoon, Minister of Energy Gebran Bassil stated that there is disobedience at Electricite Du Liban by people who want to enter the institution by force adding that the situation can be fairly described as an unacceptable and illegitimate occupation of the institution.          

Bassil clarified that the contract workers are not employed directly by the EDL but with a separate contractor, adding that that it was the Ministry of Energy that ultimately forced these contractors to safeguard the rights of these workers.           

He went on to say that the ministry gave 700 contract workers the chance for permanent employmentً provided they pass a qualifications exam adding that it is not possible for anyone to enter a public institution without a decision issued by cabinet or passing a qualifications exam. 

He went on to accuse some MP’s of making false promises of full employment to some EDL contract workers.         

Bassil added that there are some people who joined in the strikes for political means and to shake stability.  

For his part Minister of Labor Salim Jreissati said that attempting to destroy national institutions via threats and riots does not comply with the accepted status quo adding that nothing productive can be achieved under pressure and threats.

“He who makes promises [to you] by night only to forget [you] by dawn, will leave you in the middle of the road. You’re only sanctuary is in the hands of the judiciary and the Minister of Energy” Jreissati said.