Vice PM Abu Jamra: Saniora Wants Monopoly

Source: Naharnet, 27-8-2008
Deputy Prime Minister Maj. Gen. Issam Abu Jamra said Premier Fouad Saniora has offered to rent him a headquarters outside the Grand Serail so he could enjoy "monopoly and exclusive possession."
Abu Jamra told Naharnet that "the most important point" in defining the powers of deputy premier was a "matter of state continuity."
Abu Jamra had earlier called for establishing his own office at the Grand Serail so he "can keep an eye" on Saniora.
He said he would suggest amending the text of the prime minister performance management system "such as it preserves the role of deputy prime minister."
"The deputy premier should have powers for continuity's sake," Abu Jamra added.
He said the draft law intended to be presented to Parliament was aimed at spelling out the definition of "absence. How and when?" Will the prime minister be considered absent by merely crossing the border, or what?" Abu Jamra asked.
"All these matters should be defined in the regime, in addition to issues that should be specified such as the powers entrusted by the prime minister," he went on.
Abu Jamra said there are 62 public administrations directly linked to the prime minister and asked: "Is it normal for him to run all this amount of institutions?"
"Surely he needs help with that," he answered.
Abu Jamra revealed that during his visit to Saniora on July 15 he turned down a proposal by the prime minister for renting property outside the Grand Serail and insisted on establishing offices at the government headquarters "so I could stay up-to-date on all issues, and not be isolated."
Asked whether Saniora's proposal was meant to keep him away from the course of events at the Grand Serail, Abu Jamra said:
"In a situation like this, we don't know whether it is for the sake of exclusive possession or monopoly, or whether there are things he (Saniora) doesn't want anyone to know how it happens."