Salam Hails Saudi $3 Billion Grant, Says Cabinet Must be Formed Soon
Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam stressed on Monday that the Saudi 3 billion dollars grant proves that Lebanon still enjoys support from its friends, who are ready to fortify its strength and legal institutions.
“The grant gives us hope” amid the ongoing local developments, Salam said in comments published in the Saudi Okaz newspaper.
The PM-designate considered that the Saudi decision came in a “delicate stage” the country is passing through, which should be completed with the formation of a new cabinet.
Since his appointment in April, Salam has failed to form a new government due to the conditions and counter-conditions being placed by the rival March 8 and 14 camps.
“Lebanon hasn't and won't forget those who are receiving its people and who has been a staunch supported of its unity,” Salam told the newspaper.
He pointed out the the agreement between Saudi Arabia, France and Lebanon was the result of President Michel Suleiman's away from media spotlight exerted efforts.
On Sunday, President Michel Suleiman announced that Saudi Arabia has pledged to grant Lebanon three billion dollars with the aim of purchasing French weapons for the Lebanese army as soon as possible.
He also revealed in his speech that another 1.6 billion dollars might be offered during an international meeting in Italy in 2014.
In December, Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta announced that his country is organizing an international conference in Rome to back the capabilities of the LAF in coordination with the United Nations and Lebanese authorities.
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