Electricity Draft Law Set as Priority at Parliament

The electricity draft law on producing 700 megawatts of power will be referred to parliament on Friday for it to be later referred to the joint committees in order to avert any stalling in its adoption.

Ministerial sources told As Safir newspaper in remarks published on Friday revealed that the logistical preparations to refer the law to parliament have been complete.

Sources close to Speaker Nabih Berri added that the law will be set as a priority at parliament in order to allow it to be adopted before the end of the month.

Furthermore, they did not rule out the possibility of the joint parliamentary committees holding more than one session on the law ahead of referring it to parliament for approval.

Prime Minister Najib Miqati’s circles expressed their satisfaction with the government’s adoption of the law, praising all sides for their productive drive and hoping that this approach would be adopted by all other ministries.

Meanwhile, opposition parliamentary sources also voiced their satisfaction with the cabinet’s work, hoping that the rules that have been placed on the draft law would be respected.

Mustaqbal bloc MP Mohammed Qabbani told al-Liwaa daily in remarks published on Friday that these guidelines include the formation of the electricity regulatory authority and negotiating with Arab funds to provide Lebanon with the necessary low-interest loans.

He added that the bloc has not yet convened to take a final position on the law, saying that discussions on it will be aimed at fortifying and not criticizing it.