The Daily Star - Sayegh unveils five-point social development strategy - February 26, 2011

BEIRUT: Caretaker Social Affairs Minister Salim Sayegh unveiled Friday a five-point plan to develop a comprehensive National Social Development Strategy in line with the Paris III conference obligations, tying financial support to Lebanon to the implementation of a set of economic and institutional reforms. Addressing officials at UNESCO in Beirut, Sayegh said the plan aimed at securing better health standards, social protection, quality education and safe and equitable employment. Speaking on behalf of caretaker Prime Minister Saad Hariri, Sayegh warned against political instability as a major factor behind the failure to promote social security. “These issues cannot be achieved without political stability and a constant change in policies with every new government. Thus, political bickering should not hinder reform policies, which should be regarded as a criterion for a government’s success,” Sayegh said on behalf of Hariri. – The Daily Star