BEIRUT: Cabinet shielded Lebanon from the repercussions of the Syrian crisis and made a step forward to introduce oil production in the country, Hezbollah MP Nawaf Musawi said Monday.

“Among the achievements of the current Cabinet were guaranteeing Lebanon’s stability by sparing the country the evils of the conflict in Syria,” said Musawi during a party celebration in the southern town of Tawra.

Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s Cabinet has adopted a dissociation policy since the start of the conflict in the war-torn neighboring country.

However, Lebanon has been subject to shelling in both eastern and northern border towns.

According to Musawi, the Cabinet, despite criticism, was able to reach major political achievements and introduce Lebanon as an oil production country.

“After appointing members of the oil committee, this means that the Lebanese state has finalized preparations to get Lebanon into the club of oil production countries,” said the lawmaker.

He added that such a “historical achievement” can turn Lebanon from a poor to a rich country capable of overcoming its economic crisis.

In November, Cabinet was able to form a long-awaited Petroleum Administration.

The six-member committee will have full powers to negotiate with international oil companies and issue licenses for the winning firms to drill for gas off the Lebanese coast.