Daily Star - Cabinet Vows To Hold Municipal Elections On Time - January 14th, 2010

BEIRUT: The Cabinet stressed Wednesday that the municipal elections would be held within the legal deadline while its members agreed to adopt a set of procedures when it comes to administrative appointments during the government’s next meeting.
“The Council of Ministers underscored holding the municipal elections on time since we are still within the legal period as Interior Minister Ziad Baroud would present the necessary steps to guarantee its success during the Cabinet’s upcoming meeting,” Information Minister Tarik Mitri told reporters at Baabda Presidential palace.
Tackling the issue of administrative appointments, Mitri said the Cabinet delegated Minister of State for Administrative Affairs Mohammad Fneish Cabinet to submit a proposal regarding procedures to be adopted.
The Cabinet also condemned US legislation to impose sanctions on media outlets accused of promoting hostility against the US, saying that Lebanese laws guarantee freedom of speech while preventing the promotion of hatred or violence in media outlets. Among satellite stations being accused by the US was Hizbullah’s affiliate TV station al-Manar.
Cabinet also lowered the minimum age to be able to join nongovernmental groups to 18 from age 20.