Cabinet Calls for Tenders to Meet Airport Needs, Postpones to Next Session Talks on State Security

The cabinet held a regular meeting on Tuesday during which it called for tenders to meet the needs of the airport, but failed to resolve the dispute over the general directorate of state security.

Information Minister Ramzi Jreij told reporters that the Ministry of Transportation and Public Works will be tasked with calling for tenders for the Rafik Hariri International Airport.

The government also approved a technical report that would call for raising security measures at the airport, said the minister following the cabinet meeting at the Grand Serail, which was chaired by Prime Minister Tammam Salam.

The ministers discussed outside of the cabinet agenda the case of the illegal internet network and the recently uncovered human trafficking ring.

“The cabinet demanded that the greatest punishment be laid against those involved in the cases once the investigations are complete,” declared Jreij.

The ministers failed however to address the contentious issue of the general directorate of state security.

“This will be the first article of cabinet's next meeting,” said the information minister.

Cabinet will convene again on Monday afternoon.

Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil said after Tuesday's session: “There can be no solution to the state security dispute without achieving equality among the agencies.”

Christian ministers are claiming that the agency is being intentionally marginalized for being led by a Catholic, Maj. Gen.George Qaraa, who has differences with his deputy Brig. Gen. Mohammed al-Tufaili, a Shiite.

The government failed last week to approve any decree on pressing issues as a result of the discord on the leadership of State Security and the lack of appropriations for the agency.

M.T.

G.K.