Minister Bassil: Oil Decrees Issuance Gov’t Achievement, Lebanon Oil Spreads in Local Waters
Lebanese Energy and Water Minister Gibran Bassil described the issuance of the implementation decrees for the oil drilling law as the "accomplishment of the Lebanese government combined, especially that it respected the deadline decided in the ministerial statement at the end of 2011".
In this context, Minister Bassil confirmed that "what happened represents a major platform for Lebanon after the first stage; which was passing the oil law in the parliament", adding that this represents a positive sign that this achievement was accomplished under the motto of the "state of law".
In a press conference held in the Ministry, Lebanese Energy and Water Minister confirmed, "The rules and regulations related to the petroleum activities have been finalized". Also, he indicated that "Lebanon today is facing a new challenge, which is launching the international adjudication, which therefore requires the establishment of a body to manage the petroleum sector as soon as possible, as long as it continues the decrees' issuance and launches public adjudications, which would be achievable through the available methods".
Also, he believed, "We cannot tackle the oil issue in the same level as other files like the electricity and water". He added that the oil is for the future of Lebanon, and the current challenge on this issue is relevant to friend and enemy countries that are benefiting from its delay.
Upon question, Minister Bassil indicated that the dispute with the Cypriots and "Israelis" is not over yet in regard to Lebanon's oil rights.
On this level is stated that there are positive negotiations based on acknowledging Lebanon's right to its oil resources, which were also acknowledged and passed by the United Nations.
Bassil further clarified that "Lebanon's oil is not contained in the southern zone, because it has been discovered that the oil and natural gas resources spread throughout the Lebanese waters".
He added that "the Ministry's ability to engage in the oil dealings has increased".
On another hand, commenting on the hot-spot issue regarding the al-Qaida affiliation presence in Lebanon, Bassil iterated that "there is nothing more dangerous than the martyrdom of 170 Lebanese army members in Naher al-Bared refugee camp".
"Al-Qaida is present in Lebanon using other group names like Fateh al-Islam, Jond al-Sham and others", Bassil stated, adding that "when Defense Minister Fayez Ghoson speaks about that issue, he is not presenting analysis", with reference to the available evidences.
"We are all held responsible to get out of this crisis through serious security act and responsible political decisions, which should not add the sectarian tension, but rather seek its decrease", Minister Bassil reaffirmed.
Source: News Agencies, Translated and Edited by moqawama.org team
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