Cabinet Meets but ‘Technical’ Issues Delay Talks on Extra-Budgetary Spending
The cabinet adopted several bills on Wednesday but failed to discuss the draft-law on the 2006-2010 extra-budgetary spending that according to Premier Najib Miqati was finalized but it remained up to the finance ministry to settle its “technical” aspects.
Following a cabinet session held at the Baabda palace, Information Minister Walid al-Daouq said the government approved draft-laws linked to money laundering, Value Added Tax and money transfers.
The cabinet also approved the energy ministry’s request to provide it with 3 million dollars to fund the electricity network in Koura.
Miqati had said in remarks to al-Joumhouria newspaper that the draft-law on the 2006-2010 extra-budgetary spending would not be discussed by the cabinet.
“The finance ministry should prepare some data because what we are doing is similar to preparing a new budget,” he said.
“Agreement has been reached on the solution and there are no longer obstacles,” Miqati stressed.
Miqati’s sources denied in remarks to As Safir newspaper that the delay in discussing the draft-law lies in remarks made by certain political parties. They said the plan could be discussed next week as soon as the finance ministry finishes its work.
Al-Daouq said the prime minister invited the cabinet for a session at the Grand Serail next Wednesday.
The daily said the prime minister contacted the head of the parliamentary finance and budget committee, MP Ibrahim Kanaan, to inform him that the delay is only linked to technical issues.
Miqati also met with Finance Minister Mohammed Safadi on Tuesday night to discuss ways to speed up the process.
Speaker Nabih Berri, meanwhile, also told As Safir that he is holding onto his promise not to put a $5.9 billion 2011 spending bill on the agenda of the parliament.
The bill had sparked controversy between the March 8 forces and the opposition March 14 alliance which boycotted two legislative sessions over its demand to find a comprehensive solution to the extra-budgetary spending.
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://cdn.naharnet.com/stories/en/33289 |