Suleiman, Miqati Discuss Electricity Tension and Appointments

President Michel Suleiman and Premier Najib Miqati discussed the electricity crisis and the procrastination in the government’s appointment of civil servants to top posts, An Nahar daily reported Sunday.

Suleiman and Miqati held talks at Baabda palace on Saturday in an attempt to set the stage for a cabinet session that is scheduled to discuss the draft 2012 state budget and electricity.

An Nahar said that the two officials discussed a wide range of issues including the budget and the appointments ahead of a meeting that Suleiman is scheduled to hold with several ministers, including Energy Minister Jebran Bassil, before Tuesday’s session.

Miqati’s sources told the newspaper that the meeting focused on the electricity crisis and the tension that ensued following severe rationing in the country.

Suleiman and Miqati “also discussed the appointments file,” they said.

The agenda of Tuesday’s session hasn’t been issued yet. Sources at the Grand Serail said the reason behind it is that ministers have already agreed that discussions will only focus on two issues – the draft budget and electricity.

However, preparations are underway to prepare the agenda of a cabinet session on Wednesday.