President Michel Aoun stressed Thursday that Lebanon will become a gas producing country, noting that Lebanon must be ready, especially in the sector of transportation.
At the beginning of the cabinet session, Aoun briefed the cabinet on the discussions he held with US Acting Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs David Satterfield, and later with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, adding that the US officials were informed of Lebanon’s position regarding the issue of the concrete wall and the sea borders.
He explained that Tillerson received the Lebanese stance with understanding, pointing out that there are several propositions to discuss.
Aoun stated that the Lebanese position resulted from the unified position agreed upon during the tripartite meeting held in Baabda.
On another note, the president stressed the need to pass the budget without any further delay, calling for hastening the reduction process in the expenditures of a number of ministries.
Aoun also tackled the issue of water shortage, urging the Energy and Water Ministry to be warned and take the necessary measures to handle the issue.
On the education level, President Aoun reiterated the importance of holding a special session dedicated to discuss the demands of the educational sector.
For his part, Prime Minister Saad Hariri stressed that President Aoun’s remarks regarding discussions with Satterfield and Tillerson reflect the same point of view.
Hariri revealed that he will call for a cabinet session soon in order to tackle the economic reforms required ahead of the upcoming conferences to support Lebanon, mainly the only in Paris.