Hamade slams political bickering, says it adversely affects economy

November 2003

BEIRUT - Economy and Trade Minister Marwan Hamade slammed political bickering between the nation’s top official saying it adversely affected the economy.

Hamade’s comments came during a lecture sponsored by the Progressive Youth Organization, the youth wing of Chof MP Walid Jumblatt’s Progressive Socialist Party, at the American University of Beirut in late October. Also on board were former Economy Minister Samir Maqdissi and a crowd of students and youth leadership.

Hamade also accused the General Labor Confederation of being comprised of protégés of the different local and foreign security apparatesus.

The minister urged students to have faith in their country saying that the way out for the nation’s economic crisis would only come through further economic cooperation between Arab countries. Hamade then answered students’ questions and commented on ongoing local and regional affairs.