Caretaker Energy and Water Minister, Jibran Bassil, announced on Friday for the second time the postponement of the bid for oil and gas exploration in the Lebanese naval waters, from December 10, 2013 till Jan 10, 2014.

Caretaker Energy and Water Minister, Jibran Bassil, announced on Friday for the second time the postponement of the bid by the qualified companies in the first licensing for oil and gas exploration in the Lebanese naval waters, from  December 10, 2013 till Jan 10, 2014.

The postponement came in a decree issued by Minister Bassil on Friday, bearing the number 6 and dated 10/04/2013.

The Minister also addressed a letter to the President of the Republic, Michel Sleiman, and Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, informing them about said decree.

Bassil also asked of President Sleiman and Premier Mikati to call for an extraordinary session of the Council of Ministers to issue decrees concerning naval blocks and the book of conditions, in a bid to preserve Lebanon's oil wealth and protect it from any internal disruption or external trespass, especially by Israel, as verified by their recent practical measures and indications in turn.