NNA – Change and Reform Parliamentary bloc MP, Michel Aoun, on Friday met at his Rabieh residence with Agriculture Minister, Akram Chehayeb. Talks between the pair featured high on the simmering trash dossier and other standing issues that have to do with the agricultural sector.
“My visit to General Aoun is as fruitful as ever,” Chehayeb said on emerging, explaining that he had the opportunity to hold a mini-political tour with Aoun and delve deeply into three main dossiers.
“The first dossier is of interest to the Ministry of Agriculture as it has been suffering many problems with the export of apples. The second dossier is the “death” factory in Ain Dara, which involves all the people of Ain Dara and the mountain in general, who are unitedly standing against the establishment of an industrial factory in the region,” the Minister said, explaining that the destiny of Ain Dara reserves and water remains unknown in case the aforementioned factory is established.
“The Free Patriotic Movement’s stance in this regard is more than evident in support of the people of Ain Dara,” Chehayeb said as quoting Aoun.
The pair also broached the heatedly debated trash dossier, especially in light of recent decisions to stop activity in Burj Hammoud landfill.
For his part, Chehayeb deemed Burj Hammoud landfill the most feasible temporary solution amid the prevailing situation.
“It is not a final solution, but a possible one in light of refusal of other options, such as trash exportation. The government found itself with this only remaining option instead of having trash be scattered in residential areas,” the Minister said, hoping that trash won’t occupy the streets of Lebanon again.
He expressed willingness to debate the aforementioned issue with concerned sides, such as environmental organizations, away from all sorts of political tension and polemic. He also ruled out claims about disagreements with Kataeb Party.
“The solution is clear. It’s either that garbage goes back to the streets, or we stick to this four-year temporary plan,” he added.
