NNA - Outgoing Minister of Justice, Chakib Qortbaoui, called on designated Prime Minister Tammam Salam not to withdraw from his government quest.


In an interview Saturday morning with Voice of Lebanon radio, he considered that any decision relating to the affairs of the country should be taken by the entire government and not, strictly, the President and Prime Minister, and in accordance with the Taif accord.



"Amending the Constitution should focus on the powers of the President as the current system gives the minister more power than the head of state himself, it should also change the deadlines given to the Prime Minister-designate."


The minister then pointed out that the Taef Agreement spoke of fairness between Muslims and Christians in positions of civil service.



"Christians of Lebanon have alienated themselves from the state, this shows during competitions for state functions , including the Ministry of Justice , the rate of Muslims who took the tests was greater than that of Christians, " he said , calling on young people to submit applications for the positions of state officials.



"Apply to state jobs in order reduce unemployment, even if wages are limited, the salary grid will be approved soon."



"Many facilitate immigration visas for Christians to European and Western countries to get rid of them, despite the fact that we are a major base in this part of the world," he separately stated, calling for heightened attention to the issue of immigration.


===============R.Z.