Suleiman, Miqati Stress Importance of Cabinet ‘Productivity’ at 1st Meeting in Weeks

President Michel Suleiman stressed on Monday during a cabinet session that constructive dialogue is the only solution to resolve problems as Prime Minister Najib Miqati called for a productive government.

The cabinet reconvened for the first time in almost four weeks and in the presence of newly appointed Labor Minister Salim Jreissati.

Suleiman headed the meeting at the Baabda Palace, where he held a meeting with Miqati ahead of the cabinet session.

He stressed at the beginning of the session the importance of the “cabinet’s solidarity” and boosting its productivity.

Miqati considered that the resumption of cabinet sessions isn’t to mark the victory of one side on the other. “It’s a victory for all the Lebanese.”

According to Information Minister Walid al-Daouq, the premier called on the ministers to work seriously and to avoid disputes and bickering.

“You should seek to resolve disputes, starting with the 2012 state budget… increasing the growth and providing new jobs (for citizens),” Daouq quoted Miqati as saying.

The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of maintaining political and security stability in the country.

He considered that the appointment of top civil servants should be away from any “favoritism,” stressing on competency as a crucial element.

Daouq also quoted Suleiman as saying: “We should focus on formulating an electoral law.”

The president said that any issue that is a contentious point between the cabinet members should be resolved through resort to voting, adding that the ministers should accept the results no matter what they are.

The cabinet will reconvene on Wednesday at the Grand Serail at 4:00 p.m., Daouq said.

Later on Monday, Suleiman traveled to Romania and the Czech Republic on a 5-day official visit.

FPM leader MP Michel Aoun and Miqati had exchanged accusations on the premier’s decision to suspend the cabinet sessions on Feb. 1 over his decision to appoint top civil servants in state posts reserved for Christians without consulting ministers loyal to the FPM chief.

Al-Liwaa daily said that Miqati is waiting for the “appropriate time” to re-schedule the discussions on the appointments on the agenda of the cabinet.