Najib Mikati Government’s Ministerial Statement in Full
Translated by Nour Rida
The Ministerial statement assures the solid formula of the People-Army-Resistance, as well as assures preserving special relations with Syria.
Following four consecutive hours of discussion during a session- headed by Lebanese President Michel Suleiman- that was held in the Baabda Palace, PM Najib Mikati's cabinet approved the ministerial statement upon consensus.
The following is the full text of the ministerial policy statement:
1- Our government stresses-before your honorable council- its adherence to the state's unity and authority and referring to these in all matters related to the country's public policy, as so to preserve Lebanon and its national sovereignty and protect the country. These principles, along with the constitution and its content are the major pillars that will inspire our government to boost civil peace and prevent any form of manipulation. This is a mission to be carried out by the legitimate military and security forces (Army and Internal Security Forces) alone, as no other weapons will share this responsibility with legitimate apparatuses. Therefore, the cabinet assures its commitment to provide all essential needs, be it equipment or personals, to the Army and Security Forces in such a way that enables these to fulfill their task and maintain security and stability, as well as to fight terrorism, crimes, and chaos while respecting constitutional liberties.
2- The government assures its commitment to work on ending the "Israeli" occupation in remaining Lebanese occupied territories, as well as ending "Israeli" aggressive practices and espionage operations which violate Lebanon's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. The government upholds to Lebanon's right, through its people, army, and resistance to liberate and recover the Shebaa Farms, Kafarshouba Hills, and the Lebanese portion of a-Ghajar village, as well as defend Lebanon in confronting any aggression against it by all legitimate and accessible means. The government also adheres to Lebanon's right to use its water, oil resources and to consolidate it maritime borders. Moreover, through national dialogue, the government will keep working to unite the Lebanese stance in a comprehensive national strategy to protect Lebanon and defend it.
3- The government assures its commitment to the UN Security Council Resolution 1701 in all its articles and appeals, and stresses its demand that the UN halt the constant "Israeli" violations and threats to Lebanon's sovereignty in such a way that fulfills implementation of the resolution and move from stopping all aggressive actions to reach a permanent cease-fire stage. The government also stresses on permanent cooperation between the Lebanese Army and the UN Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in South Lebanon to fulfill its missions. The government also assures the importance of positive relations between the UNIFIL and the Southern citizens, who embrace these forces and highly appreciate its sacrifices along with all the Lebanese. Furthermore, the government adheres to the truce agreement according to the Taef Accord, and will continue to demand compensation to Lebanon for the damage inflicted by the obsessive "Israeli" aggressions.
4- The government will adhere to Arab solidarity-away from any policy of axes- and assures its determination to bolster relations with its Arab brethren, also to activate joint Arab projects through the Arab League, especially in light of the developments witnessed by sisterly Arab countries where the will of the people have prevailed in change, renewal and reform. The government realizes the importance of fraternal support to Lebanon and its positive impact. It also looks forward to the continuation of this support whether on the political, economic or developmental levels through continuation of projects financed by sisterly countries as well as other Arab Funds.
5- The government notes the development that has been accomplished in Syrian-Lebanese ties through reciprocal Diplomatic representation in both countries, and stresses its commitment to implementing the Taef Accord which states the establishment of special relations between Lebanon and Syria. The government will work so that the relations between the two countries reach to a level that reflects the depth of historical ties and the mutual interests between the two peoples, in context of trust, equality, and mutual respect. To fulfill this goal, the government will work to complete bilateral agreements held between the two countries, as well as look into mutual subjects that have not been resolved yet despite the will of both countries to overcome obstacles.
6- The government is willing to follow up on the issue of missing and detained Lebanese at the political and legal levels with the Syrian government, in order to find out their fate and arrive at a solution that brings this humanitarian cause to a close as well as put an end to the suffering of the families of the missing and detained.
7- The government will facilitate the return of the Lebanese living in "Israel" in accordance with the laws in force.
8- The government will work on joining Lebanon to the Convention for Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, which has been approved by the United Nations. It will also follow on such cases inside and outside Lebanon, and will continue to search for them in order to uncover their fate and to enhance national reconciliation, also out of respect to their relatives. The government will look into creating a national committee to follow on the issue of victims of enforced disappearance in all its dimensions.
9- The government will follow on the judicial measures related to the case of Imam Sayyed Moussa Sadr and his companion Sheikh Hassan Yacoub and the journalist Abbas Badreddine, of which the Judicial Council will look into and speed up the process of investigation, while the Cabinet will double its efforts to release them, secure their return, and hold the kidnappers and others involved.
10- The government is determined to strengthen its ties with friendly countries and international organizations, especially its relations with the European Union, international institutions and organizations in the context of cooperation, mutual respect and openness. The government assures its permanence in implementing all bilateral agreements as well as programs of cooperation between Lebanon and these countries, organizations, and institutions in such a way that serves Lebanon's interests, all in accordance with the constitution.
11- The government committed to respecting international resolutions; is determined to stimulate Lebanon's presence in the United Nations and the Security Council (in light of Lebanon's non-permanent membership this year). This will enable Lebanon to defend its rights and just causes, topped by the Palestinian cause in confronting "Israeli" aggressions, as well as the ongoing occupation of Lebanese and Syrian territories and "Israel's" violation of international laws.
12- The government reiterates the demands for implementation of international resolutions that preserve the rights of Palestinians, including their right to return and to establish an independent state with al-Quds (Jerusalem) as its capital. The government assured the right of return and totally rejects naturalization in all its forms (permanent settlement of Palestinians). The government assures Lebanon's adherence to the Arab Peace Initiative that was approved by the Beirut Summit in 2002, which preserves the Arab rights as well as the rights of the Palestinians. Until the right of return is accomplished, the Lebanese government will provide Palestinians in Lebanon their humanitarian and social rights, and implement laws in this regard and care for refugee camps especially Nahr al-Bared, to rebuild it and provide the Palestinians with the necessary funding from Arab and international contributions. The government will seek the strengthening of the budget within UNRWA to help the organization play its humanitarian role regarding the Palestinians as in the past.
13- The government considers national dialogue to be an essential need in resolving political disputes and developing dialogue among Lebanese. It is also concerned with the implementation of national dialogue decisions related to disarming Palestinian refugee camps and areas outside them, also emphasizing the importance of protecting the camps and securing them, which is a national responsibility.
14- The government, out of respect to international resolutions, is keen to reveal and expose the truth regarding the crime of the assassination of martyr Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and his companions. The government will follow the progress of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon which was initially established to achieve righteousness and justice, away from politicization or revenge, and without any negative impact on Lebanon's stability, unity and civil peace.
15- It will be one of the priorities of the government to launch a national workshop to prepare a new parliamentary elections law that meets the aspirations of the Lebanese in achieving a true and fair political representation. Therefore, the reform programs that were proposed in the past which covered a variety of options and reforms, especially proportional representation shall undergo comprehensive study and the government will work to accelerate the necessary measures in order for the law to be implemented within no more than one year prior to the date of the 2013 parliamentary polls.
16- The government will work to stimulate diplomatic efforts abroad in order to connect with expatriates and work on organizing expatriate committees and unifying them. Moreover, the government will monitor the implementation of laws and decisions by the National Shoura (Consultation) Council related to nationality issues. Also, the government encourages the Lebanese to reclaim their nationality. On a related note, the government will take steps and offer the required assistance to encourage the Lebanese around the world to register themselves at Lebanese embassies, consulates, and official directories.
17- The government is committed to putting a draft law for expanded administrative decentralization which can develop regions in Lebanon economically and socially. The government will also work to rectify the situation of the independent municipal fund and search for appropriate solutions to revenue problems for municipalities.
18- The government considers that the independent judiciary authority is entitled to protecting all citizens. Therefore, the government is keen to revive trust in this legal body, as well as the trust of the people in it. The government will coordinate with Parliament in order to boost up the financial situation of judges. The government will also prevent any interference in judicial work and allow judges to carry out their duties in order to pursue corrupt individuals. The government will increase the number of judges and speed up legal procedures and decrease periods of detention without charge. It will implement the five-point plan to transfer the authority over prisons to the Justice Ministry and take care of the Justice Palace facilities.
19- The government will set great importance on social welfare projects in such a way that fixates social rights of citizens, particularly low-income families. In this context, the government will launch the "Project of Poor Families" as soon as possible. The government will also be concerned of those with special needs and ensure their rights through several steps including the issuance and implementation of decrees of the law 220/2000 and making sure to ratify international agreements related to people with special needs.
20- As on the health level, the government will pursue a health reform plan and the introduction of medical cards. It will work on improving public hospitals and strengthening the role of health institutions in all regions. Also, the government will make sure the Ministry of Health will endorse other projects that aim at covering health expenses to those who do not enjoy health insurance in Lebanon, all according to laws and regulations.
21- The government will revive the work of the Economic and Social Council so that the body can successfully carry out its duties in full.
22- The government knows the needs of building and developing the administration very well, and it will work on filling all the gaps. It will continue with the employment mechanism that was used previously in the Parliament, (especially for grade A jobs) based on competency and qualifications as well as on abiding to the laws and regulations in action. The government will work to fight corruption and strengthen regulatory bodies especially in the Auditing Department and Central Inspection Department, in such a way that enables these bodies from carrying out their mission in terms of accountability, inquiry and monitoring.the government will also work on improving administrative services and using information and communication techniques to move on to the level of governmental electronic project as well as establishing common networks in the administrations. The government also is committed to the program of administrative reform strategy prepared by the Ministry of Administrative Developmental Affairs.
23- Given the government's keenness on the educational issue, as this relates to future generations that seek take part in building the future of their nation through the acquirement of knowledge and specialization -which we do not hope to see as means for them to go abroad-this government will work toward significant progress in education development in order to meet the increasing advancements in different educational fields and the mounting needs of the job market. The public schools and the national university will enjoy special concern academically, administratively, and financially in such a way that ensures the development of the Lebanese University and maintain its independence and location as it is a place that brings together Lebanese Youth. Forming the University Council will be one of the government's main priorities, in addition to giving special attention to technical and specialized education.
24- As for the cultural field, the government will work to complete the project to set up the National Library, continue building public libraries and cultural institutions that encourage talents and protect their rights as well as motivate and honor them, preserve Lebanon's architecture, enhance cultural diversity and support cultural productions protect cultural properties from theft and illegal trade.
25- The young people whom we have great hope in enjoy a special place in our government since they are the main players in development. The government will work on implementing a national youth policy to meet their needs and ambitions and provide them with the necessary services. The government will also encourage anti-drug projects and punish drug promoters and traffickers.
26- The government will provide athletic needs through maintaining sports institutions in all the regions of Lebanon and strengthening the role of special needs athletes in sports.
27- As for the displaced, our government hopes to conclude this issue by securing the funds necessary to complete pending files, finish off reconciliations, consolidate the return as well as develop affected areas (of the country) and provide job opportunities. The government will continue paying compensation for those harmed by the July 2006 war.
28- Known the deteriorating growth rates in Lebanon following regional and international economic developments, it is of the government's priorities to strengthen growth which Lebanon has been awaiting since long and limit the budget deficit.The government will decrease expenses, improve the country's revenues, balance its debts to ensure economic and socio-economic equality. The government affirms that a sound financial system is essential to strong, long-term economic development. The government will reconsider the balance of depts; taking into consideration the situation of families with limited income. The government will resort to various procedural and legislative means to motivate economic activity, particularly in the private sector, to ensure the basic components of the country's growth, particularly in the financial sector. The priorities of the Finance Ministry are to:
1- Finalize the 2012 budget based on financial principles.
2- Cut down on expenses and carry out audits of the government's accounts.
3- Reduce the national debt on the economy and adjust the government's services based on national revenue, knowing the importance of revenue as an indicator of the public debt.
4- . Make use of the country's oil and water resources and public and maritime properties.
5- Introduce structural reforms in the tax system.
6- Build the administration's capacity and improve its performance, especially within the Directorate of Public Debt and the Finance Ministry. On this note, the government will work on realizing the political reforms that will lead to correcting the structural flaws in the Lebanese economy as well as remove the obstacles that limit the capability of the economy. Also, the Ministry will, in this context, review the rules and regulations related in order to put an economic program that answers the demands and aspirations of the Lebanese. The government will also work hard to launch a spending program concerning the electricity, water, and public transportation sectors.
29- The government will put the electricity sector as a priority and will work to implement the 2010 "Electricity Sector Policy Document" reform plan in an attempt to improve the sector, stabilize electricity supply (24/24), and balance the finances of ‘Electricité du Liban' after estimating its cost and manpower supplies, and achieve this without costing the country's economy and citizens much..
30- As for the water sector, the government will set and execute the national strategic plan for this sector, based on efficient administration by the Energy and Water Ministry, including the improvement of sanitation, water dams and the launch of a number of these dams in 2011, and prepare the ministry with the human and financial resources to put this long-term strategy into practice.
31- In the oil sector, our government will follow an oil policy to transform Lebanon from a consumer of fuel to a producer of a variety of resources. We will begin by distributing exploration and drilling licenses in Lebanese territories at the end of 2011 following the issue of necessary decrees. This requires the completion of oil exploration procedures and the demarcation of Lebanon's maritime borders. The government will also implement a plan to store and refine oil and link Lebanon to oil and gas grids of the region through building a natural gas pipeline and a liquefied gas station in 2011. They will also implement the policy of alternative energy, especially gas, in the fields of transportation, industry, electricity, and domestic use to reduce costs.
32- . In the agricultural sector, the government will keep working on improving the sector, considering it a key economic sector to generate jobs in country areas and to provide food safety and security and ecological balance. The government will also continue to expand the sector and its infrastructure and strengthen oversight and checks. The government will take the necessary measures to promote agricultural exports and strengthen agricultural institutions and preserve natural resources, especially forests and water as well as deal with the damage inflicted by natural disasters.
33- According to Article 431, the government will implement regulations that will revitalize the economic side of the telecommunications sector by attracting investment and bringing in new technologies. The ministry will resolve any pending disputes and clarify related decrees and develop them. The government will also boost manpower and qualifications in the ministry and OGERO and it will set clear guidelines to better organize the work flow between the ministry and OGERO to handle investment, new technologies, protect Lebanese networks and national security. The government will continue to work on the telecommunications infrastructure and better equip it through providing it with the necessary funding and manpower. The government will pursue the International Communications Union's condemnation to the "Israeli" violations of the telecommunications sector as well as carry technical and diplomatic required work.
34- The government is dedicated to developing laws and institutions able to assist the industrial sector. It will also create a committee to manage industrial centers and look for industrial zones that have new infrastructure and developed services. It will work to secure alternative energy and provide the sector with low-priced goods and services. The government will encourage exhibitions to promote Lebanese products and supply the sector with needed academic and professional capabilities to fulfill the needs of the industrial market.
35- The government will set great importance on the transportation sector through achieving several steps, principally finalizing the discussion over the sector's policy and its implementation. The government will focus on the transportation sector by continuing the plan to improve roads and execute new road projects in different regions. It will work to secure public transportation for passengers on a continuous basis to different regions in the country. It will revive the role of the railway network after its rehabilitation. The government vows to deeply review all the studies and plans related to decrease road traffic and the crisis it has produced in order to put in place a comprehensive infrastructure plan taking into consideration recommendations from the inclusive plan to rearrange territories entitled "Amenagement Du Territoire". Concerning marine transportation, the government will work on improving and developing the infrastructure for trade ports which would provide best services and achieve the needs of the private sector to use the Lebanese ports for their logistics services so that it could become a point of departure to the Arab and European regions. In this context, it will improve and expand the port of Tripoli so that it will be able to receive more shipments and revive maritime tourism on the Lebanese coast and between the different ports. As for air transportations, the government will work on reopening the airport of Rene Mouwad in Kleya'at and to develop the work in the Rafik Hariri International Airport including the different services.
36- The government will improve the quality of services in health, social, and insurance institutions and work on a new measure for nationwide healthcare coverage and social security. It will also take measures to control costs and end waste. The government will improve the work of the National Social Security Fund and intends to pass the law related to retirement and social security after the necessary amendments.
37- The government is keen on reviving the role of the Environment Ministry and reconsidering its powers to implement regulations that will protect the environment. It will also spread environmental awareness that will preserve Lebanon's natural resources. The government will adopt ecological culture and stress on preserving Lebanon's natural riches as well as dealing with environmental threats. The government will work on cooperating with NGOs and regional institutions related to environmental development. It will strengthen the relationship between international companies to enhance investment in this sector. The government will also execute policies and plans related to waste and quarries and to increase Lebanon's forestation through a national strategy to manage its response to forest fires and protect national reservations.
38- Since the tourism sector is one of the most important sectors for economic development, the government put its utmost efforts to develop the sector and improve it in all regions. It will stimulate the different tourism sites and promote the creation of more conferences and exhibitions, attract new tourists, provide competitively-priced services. The government will revive the national council for tourism development and the higher committee for tourism and will develop the port of Jounieh to receive tourist ships.
39- The government is keen on preserving respect for freedom of expression and will put special attention to the information sector through reevaluating regulations that govern the printed and audiovisual media through necessary up-to-date amendments. It is also necessary to implement a plan to revive the public media and revive the work of the higher council for media after restructuring and amending its system.
40- Our government is committed to strengthening the role of women in life in cooperation with specific women's organizations based on international agreements including eliminating all kinds of discrimination against women through required decrees. Our government will also strengthen the role of women in administrative and official institutions especially in leadership positions.
41- The government assures it will cooperate with NGOs to strengthen its role in national dialogue on economic and social policy issues in Lebanon.
42- The government will also work with unions and labor confederations to resolve social and economic problems to reach social security and political stability. There will be studies and suggestion presented by these unions and confederations to which the government will give great attention.
43- Upon all the aforementioned, the government looks forward to establishing the best basics of cooperation with the Legislative Authority. The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs in its turn will work on separating and balancing the world of the different branches according to the constitution and the national covenant.
The Lebanese are fed up of preaching and want to see practice; this is what we promise today in your honorable session, as we look forward to cooperating. This government is a National team which shall trespass all obstacles to achieve its task, as all stand together in facing the challenge. This government vows to be faithful to the Lebanese and their aspirations, to work hard in achieving their hopes.
