Miqati Briefs al-Rahi on Govt. Rescue Plan, Says Measures Are Taken for Bitar’s Safety

Prime Minister Najib Miqati heading a ministerial delegation met Friday with Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi in Bkirki.

The delegation included the ministers of information, justice, telecom and tourism -- the four Maronite ministers in the new government.

Miqati said from Bkirki after the meeting that he wishes “for a Miracle from Saint Charbel” whose Canonization day happens to be on October 9.

He added that the “situation is difficult” and that he has asked the Patriarch for “blessings and prayers because we need them.”

Miqati said he briefed al-Rahi, who is concerned about people’s needs, on the government’s plan to tackle the social issues.

He answered when asked about the KSA, that the kingdom has never closed its doors to Lebanon, and that Saudi Arabia (where the Kaaba – direction of prayers of Muslims – is located) is his guidance in politics and also as a Muslim.

Concerning the gas stations crisis that has resurged amid a delay in the issuance of the weekly prices schedule, Miqati said that the Energy Minister is taking the necessary measures.

He also said, answering a journalist, that the Minister of justice has inquired about the threat against Judge Tarek Bitar and that “security measures are being taken” to protect the Judge – Bitar had confirmed in a letter to the State Prosecutor last month that he had received a verbal threat from senior Hizbullah official Wafiq Safa.