Speaking at the beginning of cabinet's weekly session last night, President Emil Lahhoud called for more cooperation between cabinet and parliament to finalize the 1999 state budget.
Lahhoud stated that the clear and frank policy followed by the government boosted the people's trust in their state. Lahhoud added this trust was revealed in the considerable amount of donations by Lebanese citizens in Lebanon and abroad for the reconstruction cause.
President Lahhoud, who headed the session, stressed the importance of transition from the phase of temporary restoration of civil installations damaged during the latest Israeli aggression to a phase of permanent reconstruction.
House Speaker Nabih Berri today headed a meeting for parliament's general committee to discuss preparations underway for the upcoming budget sessions. Berri gave instructions to the different departments of parliament to prepare for the general sessions to start Monday.
After visiting the speaker, a number of deputies reported that he had some observations on a number of the project's clauses. At noon, the speaker met the new board of the Syndicate of Beirut Port Employees headed by Beshara Al-Assmar.
Prime Minister Salim Al-Hoss expressed hope that the ratification of the 1999 budget project would reduce the economic recession in the country.
Hoss also hoped for a successful and prosperous tourism season. The premier expected an increase in Arab and foreign investments in Lebanon, which would activate the national economy.
At the Grand Saray today, Prime Minster Salim Al-Hoss headed a meeting for monitoring agencies in the presence of Minister of State for Administrative Reform Hassan Shalaq.
Discussions centered on a number of administrative issues based on studies prepared by the ministry and the monitoring bodies.
After the meeting, the premier told reporters this is the first meeting with monitoring committees to discuss the administrative reform file and ways to improve performance and productivity in public administrations.
Israeli occupying forces this morning shelled the area of Jib Swayd close to the village of Majdel Zoun. The bombardment was accompanied by intensive activity of Israeli inspection planes and helicopters over a number of areas in the western sector of the occupied zone.
On the Hassbayya front, a series of fires raged today in the olive fields of Meemes and Ain Qenya when Israeli allied militiamen opened heavy fire on these areas.
Civil defense member Ahmad Mohammed Baltaji today died of severe burns and serious wounds he sustained while performing his duty on June 24 when Israeli warplanes hit the Jamhour power plant.
His death raises the number of martyrs to 11 after another wounded civilian in the attack died on Sunday in Baalback.
A Lebanese official delegation today headed to the Republic of Armenia to take part in the funeral of Armenian Orthodox Patriarch Karakeen I. The delegation includes Minister of Tourism and Environment Arthur Nazarian, representing President Emil Lahhoud.
Representing Speaker Nabih Berri are deputies Istfan Dwaihy, Salah Al-Harakeh and Jihad Al-Samad. Also among the Lebanese officials is Defense Minister Ghazi Zaayter, representing Prime Minister Salim Al-Hoss. The delegation is expected back in Beirut tonight.
Former Prime Minister Shafik Al-Wazzan this morning died at the age of 72 after struggling with sickness.
Prime Minister Salim Al-Hoss declared national mourning for three days. In line with a memorandum issued by the Prime Ministry, flags will fly at half-mast in front of public buildings and departments. TV programs will be modified accordingly. Wazzan's official funeral will be held at noon tomorrow.
The former premier started his career as a lawyer. He was elected as Beirut MP in 1968. In 1969, he was appointed Justice Minister. Wazzan took up the office of the premier in 1980 under the presidency of Elias Sarkis and in 1982 under the term of Amin Al-Jmayyel.
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