The cabinet held an ordinary session on Wednesday at the Grand Serail under the chairmanship of Prime
Minister Najib Mikati and in the presence of all ministers except for
Minister Salim Karam.
The ministers discussed a
56-item agenda.
Prior to the
session, Minister of Public Works Ghazi Aridi talked about the damages
caused by the severe storm sweeping across Lebanon, denying his
ministry’s responsibility in this regard. “My conscious is clear since
the Ministry of Public Works had carried out all the necessary
rehabilitation tasks during summer in anticipation of winter rains,” he
said.
“I assumed my responsibility and I dare to say the truth,” he added.
In turn, Minister of Agriculture Hussein El Hajj Hassan announced
that during the cabinet session, he will suggest the issue of
condemnations to farmers whose crops were damaged by the storm.
For his part, Minister of Education Hassan Diab announced that the
closure of schools is extended due to the severe storm.
This as Labor Minister Salim Jreissati said that his meeting with the
EDL’s collectors was “very good”, adding “they voiced their
understanding of the importance of holding open exams as an utmost
necessity.”
Following the session, Information Minister Walid Daouk held a
press conference whereby he stated that
the government is assuming responsibility and is working on solving
pending issues.
Daouk read out the cabinet's decisions which stipulate the following:
Tasking Finance Minister to distribute the mobile revenues on the municipalities and paying the debts of the contractors.
Granting the Higher Relief Commission LBP 3 Billion to help the people who were affected by the storm, Achrafieh residents who were affected by the explosion that targeted late Brig. Gen. Wissam al-Hassan and Tripoli's residents who were affected by the incidents between Bab el-Tebbaneh and Jabal Mohsen's militants.
Granting the Foreign Affairs Ministry permission to allow the entry of foreign aid designated for Syrian refugees.
Approval of draft agreements of industrial cooperation with South Korea, Nigeria and Tunisia.Approval of loan agreements to support innovation of small businesses.