Salam Hails Saudi $3 Billion Grant, Says Cabinet Must be Formed Soon
إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam stressed on Monday that the Saudi 3 billion dollars grant proves that Lebanon still enjoys support from its friends, who are ready to fortify its strength and legal institutions.
“The grant gives us hope” amid the ongoing local developments, Salam said in comments published in the Saudi Okaz newspaper.
The PM-designate considered that the Saudi decision came in a “delicate stage” the country is passing through, which should be completed with the formation of a new cabinet.
Since his appointment in April, Salam has failed to form a new government due to the conditions and counter-conditions being placed by the rival March 8 and 14 camps.
“Lebanon hasn't and won't forget those who are receiving its people and who has been a staunch supported of its unity,” Salam told the newspaper.
He pointed out the the agreement between Saudi Arabia, France and Lebanon was the result of President Michel Suleiman's away from media spotlight exerted efforts.
On Sunday, President Michel Suleiman announced that Saudi Arabia has pledged to grant Lebanon three billion dollars with the aim of purchasing French weapons for the Lebanese army as soon as possible.
He also revealed in his speech that another 1.6 billion dollars might be offered during an international meeting in Italy in 2014.
In December, Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta announced that his country is organizing an international conference in Rome to back the capabilities of the LAF in coordination with the United Nations and Lebanese authorities.
30 December 2013, 11:30
71
Thx man so now that u hv played ur role trying to make hezbo look good as the role of da3ech and co. to make assad look good, now go get a lolipop...
30 December 2013, 12:34
12
(1). The $BN3 grant from the KSA comes at the right time for our army, thus my suggestion that President Suleiman stay on as president for at least 3 more years and let Mr. Salam form now his government of technocrats, far away from the reaches of either M8 or M14. It is clear, this is a grant to the state of Lebanon, and NOT to the pockets of individuals, in this case only Suleiman can be trusted with this money. Let general Qahwaji, the president and the top army cadres draw immediately what the army and all the constitutional state armed institutions require and let's have France supply them ASAP. Once our army receives the equipment, I am sure then that the army will impose its will without having to curtsy to anyone.
30 December 2013, 12:40
51
Agree with u but no prolongation or reelected for a new term, or a new president... After prolongation of parlement term and a blocking gov lets try to save what is left from our republic...
Anw u get ur plus one bro... Hv a nice day..
30 December 2013, 14:11
31
100% agree phoenix. i think the 3b$ grant shows that some sort of deal has been reached under the table and that either suleiman will stay, or he will be replaced by someone equally neutral and patriotic, maybe Qahwaji I don't know much about him but he seems a good candidate.
30 December 2013, 12:38
23
(2). Let us remember how the US, then the Russians made us feel like real beggars when our army wanted some aircraft from them, in fact it went all the way to suggesting we buy some old expired Indian-made stuff and God knows what again. The KSA has now given us a very rare golden opportunity, one like never before, let's form that government, and let Suleiman continue leading the nation with Qahwaji at the helm of our armed forces, and let's get the weapons, simple. Enough of living like a shadow, or under the shadow of anyone. There are times when a nation needs to take that fearful step, in our case break away from the grip of all militias, Hezbollah included and above all, the Palestinian armed factions, and let us for ever stop having this militia or that militia telling us that we need them to protect us the people.
30 December 2013, 13:21
42
I remember as well the French refusing/delaying milan 2 atgw for the LAF.
I dont think the deal is only French weapons, but mainly...
30 December 2013, 13:24
12
Changing times, changing reactions, then, there was no Hollande administration. Life has a way of adapting one may say, and so much the better for us Lebanese.
30 December 2013, 12:41
12
(3). Let the LAF be the SOLE guarantor of security and peace of every single person living inside Lebanon. The KSA has now given us the means to become a real state, what are we waiting for?! A few days ago I had my reticence over the KSA, but then, in all truth, who has stepped forward to give us such a rare chance, the US? The EU? Iran? China? Russia? The KSA has now broken that old mould, and with France we now have one single shot to finally become a nation. Has France made any conditions on the weapons? The answer is NO, so we now have the cash and the choice of weapons, what are we waiting for?!
30 December 2013, 14:02
42
I'm waiting for the reaction of Nassy, even if I know what he'll say.
Most important, I'm waiting for the reaction of the hero of Souk el Gharb, General Aoun. Will his allegiance go to the LAF and lebanese state or will he keep prostituting himself to Iran/Syria for power ?
30 December 2013, 16:22
11
Every time something positive or powerfull happens in Lebanon Aoun and his Nuthouse buddy`s are quiet. This is Good news I hope it is real.I`m pinching myself !
