Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Miqati said on Thursday that the debate over public sector wage adjustments could not be solved under pressure and escalating measures

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Miqati said on Thursday that the debate over public sector wage adjustments could not be solved under pressure and escalating measures.

“The issue must be tackled through calm discussions to find the best means to provide the necessary funding sources for the system of salaries and series ranks,” the National News Agency quoted Miqati as saying.

Miqati also said that “the cabinet needs to make further contacts with local and international financial institutions as well as ratings agencies that support Lebanon’s monetary stability.”

The premier said he respected workers’ demands, but that he could not take “unplanned and hasty decisions that will harm the economy.”

Miqati also said that the cabinet would resume discussions on the wage adjustment issue during its next session.