NNA - Economy and Trade Minister Nicolas Nahas told Voice of Lebanon "Voice of Freedom and Dignity" that the issue of wages and compensations for members of the Petroleum Administration should be carefully studied before approving it by the Cabinet.



"The Cabinet session will witness a debate on this issue and we will see what Energy and Water Minister Gebran Bassil's proposal is based on," the minister said.



Nahas insisted that all compensations and salaries should be identical to other government agencies and departments, warning that if the Cabinet approves higher wages for one government body then other agencies will demand equal treatment.



The minister defended all the economic and financial conferences that are held in Lebanon and abroad, stressing that these forums aim to provide assistance to the countries of the region.



He revealed that Prime Minister Najib Mikati plans to hold a large economic meeting next spring in an attempt to overcome all the economic problems Lebanon is passing through due to the regional turmoil.



=====O.H