Caretaker Water and Energy Minister, Jibran Bassil, conducted on Wednesday a field trip in the northern city of Batroun, to inspect the ongoing work for land oil survey operation, undertaken by the British "Spectrum" Company.

Caretaker Water and Energy Minister, Jibran Bassil, conducted on Wednesday a field trip in the northern city of Batroun, to inspect the ongoing work for land oil survey operation, undertaken by the British "Spectrum" Company, according to NNA.

Accompanying Minister Bassil have been British Ambassador to Lebanon, Tom Fletcher, "Spectrum" Company Agent in Lebanon, Georges Qamar, and representatives of the Jordanian company undertaking the ground survey operation tasked by "Spectrum."

Bassil stressed the Ministry's relentless determination to proceed with the oil exploration efforts, underlining that the Lebanese should be highly mindful whether our country possesses oil or not.

He stressed that this march shall never stop, notably with the presence of resolve and will power.

The Minister also pointed out that "the mere presence of the British Ambassador amongst today constitutes a new message of support from the international community in this regard," reflecting serious will for investments and joint work efforts to light up a first rate, promising future of Lebanon.

The Minister expressed surprise as to how certain Lebanese sides attempt to block such an exploration process, wondering how they can stand in the way of a promising, prosperous oil future for Lebanon."

Bassil underscored that the Lebanese themselves are the ones hindering oil exploration efforts, rather than any outside element.

"We are working within the boundaries of the international and Lebanese law and within all related recognized standards," Bassil said.

Ambassador Fletcher said he's glad to be present on such a field tour to jointly inspect with Minister Bassil and "Spectrum" team the ongoing work of ground oil survey, to detect the amount of gas in the Lebanese land, starting from the coast of Batroun.

"The amount of gas in the Lebanese land and sea gives great hope and confidence in an illuminating future of Lebanon, in case project management and exploration process are undertaken in a serious, clear, transparent and accurate manner," Ambassador Fletcher said.