Suleiman Urges National Dialogue Powers to Place National Interests above All Else
President Michel Suleiman stated on Saturday that the national dialogue acts as the “political and security umbrella” in Lebanon given the current situation in the country.
He therefore urged “political powers, especially those participating at the national dialogue, to place national interests above all else and work in a manner that would help preserve security away from the developments in the region.”
He demanded that various parties abandon the positions they had previously made.
“Experience has proven that there can be no substitute for dialogue among the political powers to resolve pending disputes,” stressed Suleiman.
The March 14 forces on Thursday announced their boycott of the upcoming national dialogue session over “the refusal of Hizbullah’s leadership to discuss the issue of arms.”
“The conferees discussed the latest stances voiced by Hizbullah’s leadership, which rejected to discuss the issue of the party’s arms and blocked the possibility to seriously address the issue of illegal weapons,” the March 14 forces said after a broad meeting at the Center House in downtown Beirut.
Their position came shortly after Loyalty to the Resistance bloc head MP Mohammed Raad stated earlier this week: “We are not in need for a defense strategy as Lebanon is still in the process of liberation.”
“We have plenty of time to discuss defense after the liberation is complete,” he said.
The national dialogue resumed in June after a 19-month absence.
It has since held two sessions that were boycotted by the Lebanese Forces, whose leader Samir Geagea had deemed the talks a “distraction.”
The all-party talks are aimed at discussing a defense strategy for Lebanon, resolving Hizbullah’s possession of arms, and the spread of weapons among Palestinian refugees inside and outside of their camps.
almost 12 years
Mr, President
your intentions are good, but no way anyone will sit at a dialogue table with his murderors.
almost 12 years
oh no!
almost 12 years
Ya MR. President, what's there to discuss at the national dialogue if the core issue which is the illegal arms of thugs can't be discussed? The dialogue is mute unless nothing is off limit and all core subjects are to be discussed with an open mind and an eye on the stability of the great Lebanese state.
almost 12 years
Have some dignity, pack your empty bags and JUST GO HOME. What a useless, powerless and weak president.
almost 12 years
Well, I was a little fearful for Lebanon when he got chosen to lead us, I'm now completely reassured, this president is the best one we've had for decades. nice pick!
almost 12 years
oh yeah!
almost 12 years
When the Syria regime collapses, this president will go with them. He came with their blessing, and he should leave with them. I don't trust his intentions!!
Hezbollah doesn't have lebanons interest at heart and this proves it