Miqati: Improvement of Judges Salaries Will do them Justice

Prime Minister Najib Miqati on Monday defended the judiciary from critics saying parliament had made an important step in giving fair salaries to judges after adopting a new law.

During a meeting with a delegation from the Higher Judicial Council in the presence of Justice Minister Shakib Qortbawi at the Grand Serail, Miqati said: “What has been achieved in terms of the amendment of the wages of judges is an accomplishment that the judicial body deserves even if it came late.”

“The cabinet through cooperation with parliament and a close follow-up by Minister Qortbawi made an important step in doing justice to judges,” the PM said. “It is an important step in the path of the independence of the judicial authority.”

He told the delegation that the boost of judges’ salaries would help put an end to their emigration.

Miqati urged them not to heed accusations and to preserve their unity.

Last month, parliament adopted a law that states that the salaries of the judges are to be doubled. The law authorizes the government to issue decrees to open the necessary credits in order to cover the expenses.

The cabinet is expected to give the green light during its session on Wednesday.

But the appointment of the president of the Higher Judicial Council is not on its agenda. The candidates named for the post are Judges Tannous Meshleb, Alice Shabtini and Arlette al-Tawil Jreissati.