Hariri Informs Aoun of Contacts to Solve EDL Fuel Problem
Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri contacted President Michel Aoun from Paris and informed him on the outcome of his contacts with Algerian officials that led to the decision to unload fuel from the two Algerian tanker ships to supply Electricite Du Liban, the Premier’s press office said on Monday.
Hariri will continue his contacts with the Algerian officials to find a permanent solution to the issue in the coming days, it added.
Earlier during the day, caretaker Energy Minister Cesar Abi Khalil said he visited Aoun at the Presidential Palace and notified him that the power barges will start supplying fuel as of today.
Abi Khalil also said he informed Aoun of the solution reached to fulfill the country's fuel needs and the measures that had been taken to curb the electricity crisis.
Additional power cuts were feared to hit Lebanon as the result of failure to provide necessary funds for purchasing fuel.
A blackout was feared as Zouk and Jiyyeh power plants were expected to turn off this week.
Lebanon has been contending with rolling blackouts since the days of its 1975-1990 civil war. Successive governments have failed to agree on a permanent solution for the chronic electricity failures, largely because of profiteering, endemic corruption and lack of political will.
Source: Naharnet
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