Miqati: Constructive Discussions are Taking Place over Electricity File

Prime Minister Najib Miqati stressed on Sunday the need to resolve the crisis over the electricity file, saying that electricity must be provided to the people through the required principles and with complete transparency.

He added: “I am confident that all sides are keen on maintaining the government and allowing electricity to be provided.”

He made his statements after holding talks with former Premier Omar Karami.

The meeting was attended by minister Faisal Karami and Mohammed Safadi.

The talks also addressed the current developments in Lebanon and the region.

“Constructive discussions are taking place over the electricity file and God willing the dispute over it will be resolved during the September 7 cabinet session,” Miqati stressed.

For his part, former PM Karami stated that the electricity file was being employed to cripple the government.

“We know that FPM leader MP Michel Aoun and Energy Minister Jebran Bassil are eager to ensure Lebanon’s national interests,” he added.

Parliament failed to approve an electricity draft law proposed by Aoun that allows Bassil to receive $1,200,000,000 to implement a project on producing 700 Megawatts of electricity.

The March 14-led opposition says that the draft law gives the minister the freedom to use the amount of money without referring to the cabinet or without any monitoring by the Audit Bureau.

Opposition and National Struggle Front MPs opposed the draft law when it was subject to a vote at parliament a few weeks ago.