Miqati: Govt. Won't Protect those Who Facilitate Corruption at State Institutions

Prime Minister Najib Miqati revealed on Friday that the government has completed a number of laws linked to combating corruption, adding that they have been referred to parliament in a hope that they will be approved soon.

He said: “The government will not protect those who facilitate chaos at state institutions.”

He made his remarks while chairing the second meeting for the committee charged with reviewing the Lebanese state's policies and agreements on combating corruption ahead of an inspection in 2013 by United Nations agencies charged with assessing corruption.

He hoped that the anti-corruption laws will be passed at parliament before the U.N. assessment date.

“The government will not protect any violator because no official or employee is above the law, no matter what their rank,” continued Miqati.

“When an official practices his duties, he does so according to the law and not through his own individual might,” said the premier.

“Combating corruption is a national duty that should not be limited to one power, but all sides are invited to fight it and prevent its spread,” he stressed.

“Corruption does not distinguish between pro- and anti-government forces, but it harms all state elements,” Miqati explained.

The prime minister later held talks with British Ambassador to Lebanon Tom Fletcher, who voiced his support for Lebanon's state institutions.

He also hoped that the necessary precautions would be taken to prevent the spread of the Syrian crisis to Lebanon.