BEIRUT, Oct 19 (NNN-XINHUA) – Lebanese Prime Minister, Saad Hariri, gave political parties 72 hours to find a solution for the country’s crisis, amid nationwide protests against government policies.
“Political parties must find, within 72 hours, a solution to the country’s crisis, or I will be adopting a different approach,” Hariri said, following two days of protests.
Hariri said, the country is going through a very harsh situation, adding that, he has been trying to solve the country’s issues for three years but has been facing obstacles from other parties.
“There were some who placed obstacles in my way, in forming the government, and the efforts I made in reform proposals,” the premier said.
Hariri said, he travelled all around the world to secure funds and investments for Lebanon, until he was capable of securing 11 billion U.S. dollars in loans and donations, pledged by CEDRE conference last year.
Thousands of protesters demonstrated on Thursday and Friday, blocking roads all over Lebanon, to protest against the government’s policies.
Citizens chanted slogans against the government, while accusing politicians of being corrupted and depriving people of their basic rights.
Demonstrators called for the resignation of the whole political system, which led to their impoverishment.
Demonstrations resulted in several injuries among citizens and militants, with one man died in Tripoli, in a clash with bodyguards of a member of parliament.
The protests which started on Thursday came, after the government discussed the possibility of imposing taxes on fuel, tobacco, WhatsApp and other internet calling applications, and luxurious products, in addition to increasing the value added tax in its 2020 state budget.
Endorsing the 2020 state budget is one of the conditions imposed by CEDRE conference, to unlock the 11-billion-USD fund for Lebanon.
Lebanese Foreign Minister, Gebran Bassil, gave a speech ahead of Hariri’s announcement, warning against chaos, if the government submits its resignation.
Bassil also suggested to give three days for serious work, to prove to the Lebanese that the government is serious in its reforms by approving the 2020 budget.
However, official announcements did not persuade protesters to leave the streets. They continued their demonstrations in different areas, while vowing to stay in the streets until they get their rights.– NNN-XINHUA