Last Cabinet Session Marred by Saniora-Tabourian Clash
Thursday”s cabinet session was marred by a clash between Premier Fouad Saniora and Electricity Minister Alain Tabourian in its last meeting before it turns into a caretaker government.
Information Minister Tareq Mitri said after the session that President Michel Suleiman lauded the government”s effort in holding the parliamentary elections in a single day and without mishaps. He also stressed on the importance of administrative and constitutional appointments made by the cabinet and which helped the holding of transparent and democratic elections.
In its final statement, the cabinet rejected naturalization of Palestinians in Lebanon and stressed on the right of return to their homeland in response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu”s latest speech in which he said the problem of refugees should be solved outside Israel.
At the start of the meeting at Baabda palace, Saniora and the ministers presented Suleiman a painting that represents olive harvest as a token of appreciation.
Saniora told the session that the experience with the ministers and with Suleiman was successful. He also lauded the president on his keenness on successful implementation of democracy based on the constitution.
On the reported dispute between Saniora and Tabourian, Mitri said that the clash didn”t erupt because of the electricity problem. "It was not on the cabinet agenda and the president put an end to it."
At the end of the meeting, the ministers attended a farewell dinner banquet thrown by Suleiman in their honor.