Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati has hit out at ministers who continue to boycott cabinet meetings and describe them as unconstitutional.
The ministers, who are typically aligned with or members of the Free Patriotic Movement – the party founded by Lebanon’s most recent President Michel Aoun – accused Mr Mikati of overstepping his duties and assuming presidential powers.
Politicians failed to agree on the formation of the cabinet before the term of Mr Aoun ended last October. That means Mr Mikati’s cabinet has caretaker status, so its powers are severely limited.
With MPs having failed to elect a successor to Mr Aoun in 12 parliamentary sessions, the FPM argues that cabinet meetings are unconstitutional.
Mr Mikati alluded to this at the start of the cabinet meeting on Wednesday, noting that he had been accused of hijacking presidential powers and adding: “It is strange that some people continue to fail to carry out their duties in electing a president”.
He said the cabinet was meeting to deal with urgent matters and ensure there were no disruptions. Despite the boycott, the 24-member cabinet was still above the two-thirds quorum needed to ensure it could meet.
Mr Aoun has previously called such meetings an “attempt to seize power”.
In the event of a presidential vacuum, the cabinet takes on the powers of the head of state.
“Some ministers continue to boycott the cabinet sessions due to political considerations”, while continuing with their daily duties at their respective ministries, Mr Mikati said.
During the meeting, it was decided that end-of-year exams for those in grade 9 – that mark the completion of the intermediate stage of school – would be cancelled for logistical reasons. It is understood that this will not affect pupils' progression to grade 10.
While the exams were held last summer, they were cancelled in 2020 and 2021 for reasons related to Covid and the devastating economic situation Lebanon finds itself in.
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Going grey? A stylist's advice
If you’re going to go grey, a great style, well-cared for hair (in a sleek, classy style, like a bob), and a young spirit and attitude go a long way, says Maria Dowling, founder of the Maria Dowling Salon in Dubai.
It’s easier to go grey from a lighter colour, so you may want to do that first. And this is the time to try a shorter style, she advises. Then a stylist can introduce highlights, start lightening up the roots, and let it fade out. Once it’s entirely grey, a purple shampoo will prevent yellowing.
“Get professional help – there’s no other way to go around it,” she says. “And don’t just let it grow out because that looks really bad. Put effort into it: properly condition, straighten, get regular trims, make sure it’s glossy.”
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Places to go for free coffee
- Cherish Cafe Dubai, Dubai Investment Park, are giving away free coffees all day.
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- Orange Wheels welcome parents are to sit, relax and enjoy goodies at ‘Café O’ along with a free coffee
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Emergency phone numbers in the UAE
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
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Tiger:independent, successful, volatile
Rat:witty, creative, charming
Ox:diligent, perseverent, conservative
Rabbit:gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon:prosperous, brave, rash
Snake:calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Horse:faithful, energetic, carefree
Sheep:easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey:family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster:honest, confident, pompous
Dog:loyal, kind, perfectionist
Boar:loving, tolerant, indulgent
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Dimuth Karunaratne (Captain), Angelo Mathews, Avishka Fernando, Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Thisara Perera, Isuru Udana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Jeevan Mendis, Milinda Siriwardana, Lasith Malinga, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep
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Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
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What is safeguarding?
“Safeguarding, not just in sport, but in all walks of life, is making sure that policies are put in place that make sure your child is safe; when they attend a football club, a tennis club, that there are welfare officers at clubs who are qualified to a standard to make sure your child is safe in that environment,” Derek Bell explains.
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Date started: 2014
Founders: Maaz Sheikh, Danny Bates
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