Baalbak MPs threaten with escalation if the farmers are not compensated for damages caused by frost

The coalition of Baalbaq-Hermel MPs met last week with farmers who suffered serious damages to their crops as a result of the last wave of frost. The meeting included MPs Ghazi Zeaiter and Hussein Hajj Hassan in addition to the president of the Baalbaq-Hermel MPs coalition, Hussein Musawi.  Other MPs in attendance includes Kamel Rifai, Assem Kanso, Ali Mokdad, Walid Sukkarieh, Marwan Fares and Emile Rahmeh, represented by George Maaluf in addition to the representatives of farmers and federations of trade unions.
Hajj Hassan noted that the government has yet to take a decision to assess and compensate damages although the subject was discussed thrice.  He expressed his support to farmers for whatever decision they may take.  Zeaiter confirmed that the matter will be discussed during the next Cabinet meeting.  He also noted that farmers are in dire need for help in view of the damages that their cropped suffered.
MPs present also expressed their support to farmers and threatened to escalate their actions should the president of the federation of agricultural unions, Jihad Bluoq, fail to take a positive decision on this matter.

Source: Al-Nahar 6 May 2014

For more information about the farmers struggle with the frost damages, please review the following previous news:
Chehayeb heads a meeting to follow-up on damages to farmers due to frost and confirms seeking aids from government and abroad, 24/4/2014
Beqaa agriculture suffered up to 90% in losses while the state remains absent, 11/4/2014
Farmers of North Lebanon and Beqaa seek government compensation for frost damages and await the decision of the Cabinet, 9/4/2014
Minister of Agriculture supports protecting farmers from natural hazards amidst calls for compensation, 4/4/2014