Bassil Opens Door for Applicants to Join Oil Authority

Energy Minister Jebran Bassil said on Friday that the ministry opened the door before applicants to fill the vacant posts in the board of directors of the oil authority, calling on those who are qualified to apply.

“If we worked swiftly, without any political obstacles, the committee members will be appointed in mid-May,” Bassil told As Safir newspaper.

In March, the cabinet approved the appointment of the six members of the authority tasked with administrating the oil sector.

Lebanon and Israel are bickering over a zone that consists of about 854 square kilometers and suspected energy reserves there could generate billions of dollars.

The Israeli map conflicts with Lebanon's proposed maritime border.

Lebanon argues its map is in line with an armistice accord drawn up in 1949, an agreement which is not contested by Israel.