Government Approves New Bills on Combating Corruption, Stresses Need to Protect State’s Vital Institutions

DAMASCUS, (ST) – Cabinet weekly session on Tuesday was dedicated to discussing the latest political developments in the country, explaining the situation of the economic and services sectors and reviewing measures necessary to protect vital institutions from terrorist attacks.

The cabinet also discussed and then approved several bills on establishing an independent Commission for Combating Corruption, on fighting illicit profit and on establishing the Control and Inspection Department.

Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi underlined the challenges and difficulties facing the health, services and electricity sectors, reiterating the important role that can be played by civil society and government parties in all Syrian governorates to protect vital industrial institutions and highways so as to provide necessary services to the citizens.

Omar Ghalawanji, the Deputy Premier for Services Affairs and the Minister of Local Administration talked about the damages caused by the armed terrorist groups’ attacks against the services sector’s facilities, pointing out that branch committees are formed to enhance the protection of vital industrial and economic institutions.

Deputy Premier for Economic Affairs, Minister of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection Qadri Jamil reviewed the economic situation and the government’s procedures to ensure food stuff and oil derivates to citizens. He stressed the availability of enough reserves and storage for local needs, particularly wheat and flour.

Electricity Minister Imad Khamis pointed out that the ministry is implementing electricity rationing program because of the terrorist attacks which have been targeting power generating and transferring stations. He referred to the efforts being exerted by the ministry and its affiliated institutions to lessen the rationing hours and to maintain the electricity system and fixing its damages.

For his part, Minister of Oil and Mineral Resources Saeed Hanidi reviewed the obstacles facing the oil and gas sector due to the incessant terrorist attacks on gas and oil pipelines. He underlined the measures adopted by the ministry to ensure necessary oil products, fixing damages caused to pipelines and resuming the pumping operation to refineries.

Minister of State for National Reconciliation Affairs Ali Haidar also reviewed some follow up measures and steps to solve some issues related to the ministry’s tasks.

Transport Minister Mahmoud Said reviewed the ministry’s procedures to support air and maritime transport system, in addition to maintaining railway networks.

 For his part, Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Jasem Zakaraya briefed the cabinet on the stages implemented in the youth employment program.  In this respect, the Cabinet discussed the issue of ensuring job opportunities to martyrs families.

H. Moustafa