Cabinet convenes at Baabda palace, oil tops talks' agenda

The Cabinet has convened in an ordinary session at Baabda palace under the chairmanship of President Michel Aoun, in presence of Premier Saad Hariri and the ministers, National News Agency correspondent reported on Thursday.

The ministerial council is scheduled to discuss a 145-item agenda, including the Energy Ministry's proposal to allow oil exploration.

Conferees will also tackle a suggestion made by the Council for Development and Reconstruction, on waste management.

Speaking to reporters before the session, Information Minister Melhem Riachy indicated that the Lebanese Forces' ministers will make slight technical remarks on the oil dossier.

On Télé Liban, Riachy said: "TL is struggling," in reference to the government's failure to appoint a new chairman for the state-run television.

For his part, State Minister for Parliament Affairs, Ali Qanso, highlighted the obligation to finalize the dossiers related to waste and oil today.

"As to the Jerusalem issue, we are with any procedure consecrating Jerusalem as the capital of all Palestine," he added.

Moreover, Sports Minister Mohammad Fneish considered that "resuming the governmental activity is a good omen."

As to Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil's demand to open a Lebanese embassy in Jerusalem, Fneish said: "We haven't looked into it yet

Source: NNA