Cabinet to discuss 'fiscal rescue plan'

The Lebanese Cabinet will begin studying on Wednesday reform proposals included in a "fiscal rescue plan" reached by Lebanese leaders last week.

The plan spells out means of restricting waste in the Lebanese administration and keeping the budget deficit in check. It was unanimously agreed upon by President Elias Hrawi, Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and House Speaker Nabih Berri.

The council of ministers will discuss 11 of these proposals in Wednesday's session. These include reducing the number of state employees over the next six years, halting employment in the civil service and public organizations and activating state hospitals.

They also include banning the use of state vehicles for personal use, limiting travel abroad by state employees except for trips approved by the cabinet and halting funds for medical treatment abroad unless approved by the cabinet.