Beirut: The House of Parliament on Thursday approved seven government-referred draft laws during its session, marking the continuation of a previous sitting. The session's highlight was the endorsement of a loan agreement with the World Bank for Reconstruction and Development, aimed at implementing the Emergency Assistance Project for Lebanon to rehabilitate infrastructure damaged by the war.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the session also ratified several international agreements and a law returned by the President of the Republic concerning the organization of the ordinary judiciary. Additionally, the Integrated Solid Waste Management draft law was approved.
The quorum for the session was secured with the presence of multiple parliamentary blocs, including 'Development and Liberation,' 'Strong Lebanon,' 'National Moderation,' and 'Loyalty to the Resistance,' alongside several independent MPs.
Following the legislative approvals, Speaker Nabih Berri adjourned the session, with all minutes and previously approved laws ratified, rendering them enforceable. The session commenced at 11:15 a.m. in the presence of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, several ministers, and MPs. Speaker Berri began by honoring late MP Ghassan Skaff and former MP Zaher Al-Khatib with two minutes of silence.
MP Melhem ??? advocated for the discussion of the agreement with Cyprus in Parliament, urged for a calmer political climate, and called for prioritizing the draft electoral law. MP Gebran Bassil brought up issues regarding the Court of Audit and the parliamentary investigation committee related to the telecommunications sector. Meanwhile, MP Bilal Abdallah urged the government to address public sector matters swiftly.
The draft law for a loan agreement between Lebanon and the World Bank for the Emergency Assistance Project was read. Finance Minister Yassine Jaber mentioned that the project is part of a broader plan with initial funding of $250 million. MP Ali Hassan Khalil emphasized the project's focus on infrastructure rehabilitation and called for a comprehensive reconstruction plan.
Parliament also approved several other laws, including one repealing a previous law related to tax agreements with Sudan, another concerning the organization of the judiciary, and agreements related to water supply and public financial management projects with the World Bank. Additionally, Lebanon's accession to the Patent Cooperation Treaty was ratified.
Debates on the integrated solid waste management draft law saw MP Osama ??? requesting further study by the Environment Committee. Finance Minister Jaber noted financial leakage from the treasury, while Environment Minister Tamara El-Zein outlined the project's phased approach. MPs discussed various aspects, with Speaker Berri ultimately returning the matter to committees for further consideration.
Amendments related to waste management were voted on, approved, and the draft law was ratified. However, a proposal concerning contracted employees at the Ministry of Information led to a loss of quorum as MPs exited the chamber, prompting Speaker Berri to adjourn the session. The minutes were read and approved before adjournment.