Salam Expresses Hope Cabinet Discusses Soon Petroleum File

Prime Minister Tammam Salam revealed on Tuesday that the Petroleum Administration will soon hand over to Energy Minister Arthur Nazarian a report to revive the file at the cabinet.

“The petroleum file is thorny, complicated and requires delicate treatment and attention,” Salam said in comments published in As Safir newspaper.

The premier pointed out that the matter also requires “politicians to be patient without delaying the tenders and missing the chance.”

Salam expressed hope that politics isn't impeding the exploration of Lebanese offshore oil and natural resources.

“If there are any political obstacles I hope they fade away as we should adopt the necessary decrees.”

Last August, the government postponed for the fifth time the first round of licensing for gas exploration over a political dispute.

The disagreements were over the designation of blocks open for bidding and the terms of a draft exploration agreement.

Once the necessary decrees are inked by the cabinet, Lebanon can go ahead and begin exploring and drilling for oil and gas in its offshore fields.

Israel has already started its exploration as has Cyprus and even Syria, in spite of its conflict, noted the daily.

Lebanon and Israel are at loggerheads over the 850 kilometers of territorial water that each claims as part of its Exclusive Economic Zone.

H.K.

D.A.