Berri Criticizes Cabinet’s ‘Slow’ Performance

Speaker Nabih Berri criticized on Thursday the cabinet’s slow performance, saying it was the reason behind his decision to schedule a parliamentary session to assess its work.

He described the cabinet’s performance as a “turtle” and stressed the importance of enhancing its work on all levels.

The parliament will hold a general discussion session in April 17-19 to assess the government’s function.

Lawmakers said that Berri slammed the slow motion work of the cabinet that is affecting all the vital issues, especially the exploration of offshore natural resources.

He wondered during Wednesday’s meeting with lawmakers about the reasons behind the delay in publishing the oil authority decree in the official gazette in order to kick off the appointment of the six members who are tasked with administrating the oil sector.

In March, the cabinet approved the appointment of the six members.

Berri held a meeting with President Michel Suleiman at the Baabda Palace on Wednesday.

The two stressed the importance of implementing the executive steps swiftly to benefit from the natural resources.

Berri had continuously threatened to debrief the cabinet if it didn’t carry out its tasks regarding Lebanon’s offshore oil wealth project.