Hariri Chairs Cabinet Meeting, Holds Minute of Silence in Memory of Slain Soldiers

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The cabinet held a minute's silence ahead of its session on Thursday in honor of the country's soldiers killed by the Islamic State extremist group.

The remains of the soldiers were retrieved last week from the northeastern border town of Arsal. DNA tests revealed on Wednesday that the samples have matched the identifies of the servicemen.

Prime Minister Saad Hariri chaired the meeting at the Grand Serail to address 44 items on the agenda, as media reports said the ministers will not touch on controversial files.

“Today is a national mourning day. We mourn the martyrs of the Lebanese army and security forces killed in confrontations with terrorism,” said Hariri.

Hariri highlighted the outcome of his latest visit to France, he said: “We launched three conferences in Lebanon's favor. The first is intended to support Lebanon's economy, the second plans to provide support for the Lebanese army, while the third plans to organize the return of the displaced (Syrians) at the international community's level.”

“From the beginning, we have pursued a policy of dissociation and neutralizing Lebanon from regional conflicts," said the PM, "at this moment, it is in Lebanon's interest to stay away from straining atmosphere with all our friends, especially the brothers, and seek to protect the interests of Lebanon and the Lebanese."

Before the session began, Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq made remarks regarding the upcoming by-elections, he said in reply to Speaker Nabih Berri: “No I will not lay the by-elections to rest. Each party must carry out its duty.”

Speaker Nabih Berri had lamented on Wednesday that by-elections will not be held, saying “by-elections can rest in peace.”

Mashnouq added that the issue won't be addressed at today's cabinet meeting but will be discussed in a session to be held at the Baabda Palace.

State Minister for Presidency Affairs Pierre Raffoul said the ministers will vote on an agenda item regarding the assignment of a new director general of cooperatives at the agriculture ministry to replace Gloria Abou Zeid.

Disputes erupted between Agriculture Minister Ghazi Zoaiter and Abou Zaid early in 2017.

Abou Zaid is head of the Green Plan project overseen by the agriculture ministry.

Minister Michel Pharaon said there is dispute over the replacement of Abou Zaid, pointing out that the candidate for the post hails from the Aoun family.

Asked about the wage scale and whether the suspension of the tax law to fund it is going to affect it, Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil said: “Some reports have said that the wage scale file will come to a halt, but the decision is not up to the finance minister, it requires a cabinet and parliament decision.”

SourceNaharnet
Comments 1
Missing humble over 6 years

The 5 minutes of silence became ONE minute....they had to cheat some way.