Lebanese cabinet agrees on energy deals

The Lebanese cabinet has succeeded in resolving a dispute on the country's energy supply, as new deals were agreed on after reducing costs by nearly half. The cabinet also stressed the importance of building power stations to accomplish the government's promise of 24 hours' power supply for Lebanese cities. President Michel Suleiman led the Cabinet session himself, and held talks with prime minister Najib Mikati and ministers belonging to MP Michel Aoun's bloc. The Cabinet agreed to rentstations producing 270mw power, with reduction to both the fees and duration of the rent deals, while the cabinet recommended acceleration in finishing preparatory studies for building 1500mw power stations in Lebanon, including the needed financial supplies and the private sector's participation in these projects. Suleiman stressed on "the need to be firm towards social issues and improving living conditions, in addition to following up on the food safety issue, which was exposed last week". He also said he was happy with government's efforts in restoring the state's tourism sector, suggesting amendments to related laws towards tightening sanctions in order to ensure food safety.