Hariri Says Parliamentary Polls on Time in May

Prime Minister Saad Hariri stressed on Tuesday that Lebanon's parliamentary elections will be staged in May 2018 as agreed.

“The parliamentary elections will take place on time in May and will be crucial for all political parties and for our democracy, diversity and way of life. Most importantly is to continue our democracy-based approach, which adds to Lebanon's charm and makes it a small miracle in an environment full of fighting” Hariri's media office quoted the Premier as saying.

Addressing a visiting delegation of association of Beirut mayors at the Center House Monday evening, Hariri said: "We managed to avoid the fires around us because all the political parties, in addition to the army and the security forces, carried out their responsibilities to the fullest, and we were able to combat extremism.

“However, the basis of stability was not only in the fight against extremism, but because we, as Lebanese, took a decision not to return to the past and always look towards the future,” he added.

Tuning the newly approved oil and gas drilling licenses, the PM said: “The cabinet approved last week one of the most important projects that concern Lebanon, which is related to oil and gas, about which the Lebanese have been hearing for decades. In this government and because of this consensus and cooperation, we have been able to sign agreements with the most important consortium of oil companies in the world.

“This is only the beginning, with two out of ten blocks being allocated, which means that there will be new tenders in the future, and if oil is found we will become an oil state,” concluded Hariri.