Suleiman: Miqati Took Appropriate Position on Electricity Dispute

President Michel Suleiman stated that he refuses to take sides in the government dispute over resolving the electricity crisis, reported the daily An Nahar on Wednesday.

He told the daily: “I believe that Premier Najib Miqati took the appropriate stand because he found the cost of Energy Minister Jebran Bassil’s proposal to be too high.”

“He took the right position,” he added.

“If there are any doubts over any measure, then I choose transparency over any other step and so will the majority of the ministers,” said the president.

Miqati and Bassil are locked in a dispute over how to end Lebanon’s electricity crisis.

The latter is pushing for the leasing of power-generating vessels. Two companies, Turkish and American, have already won the tenders and are expected to cost the treasury over $1 billion - around $400 million for the rent and $500 million for fuel prices.

But the premier has openly opposed the project, advocating instead a proposal by the GE company to construct a power plant at the cost of $500 million.

Suleiman stated that he “looks forward to tackling the energy crisis in a calm manner” during Wednesday’s cabinet session, which is scheduled to be held at the Baabda Palace.

“I want transparency at cabinet and issues will be discussed in a democratic manner,” he continued.

“Should all this be appropriate, then the dispute may be resolved, otherwise we may have to hold another session after my return from the Arab summit,” said the president.

Suleiman is expected to travel to Baghdad on Thursday to attend the summit.

He is scheduled to return to Lebanon on the same day.