Hariri projects while hospital owners refuse to treat patients

Briefing reporters at his residence in Koraytem yesterday, Prime Minister Rafik Hariri announced that new development projects, including the $100 million allocated for the impoverished area of Hermel (eastern Bekaa) and Akkar, have been postponed for an undetermined length of time. He said that the financial resources should be available before any new project is started. The decision will, however, not affect the projects already initiated.

The prime minister seemed confident that the $800 million economic plan will eventually be approved. On the other hand, Hariri expressed his disapproval of the hospital owners union's decision not to treat patients covered by the government's social security before they pay the amount due.