Berri Throws Dialogue Ball in Rival Parties' Court
Sources close to Speaker Nabih Berri have warned that Lebanon's rival leaders would be held responsible for the worsening of the country's crises if they take the dialogue session set to be held this month for granted.
The sources told pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat published on Thursday that the officials “will be held fully responsible for any deterioration (in the situation) in the country if they disregard Speaker Berri's attempt to salvage” Lebanon.
“The ball is now in the court of the parties who have been invited to the distress call that we have made to salvage the country which is sliding towards unrest because of the collapse of institutions,” said the sources.
The dialogue that Berri has called for is scheduled to be held on September 9. It will bring together the heads of parliamentary blocs, in addition to Prime Minister Tammam Salam and several other officials.
The majority of blocs informed the speaker that they would attend the session. The Lebanese Forces is expected to announce its stance on Saturday.
According to al-Akhbar daily, the LF has expressed regret to al-Mustaqbal Movement over its approval to attend the session without consulting it.
Berri has said that the rival parties would discuss ways to end the presidential vacuum, the resumption of the work of parliament and the cabinet, a new electoral draft-law, legislation allowing Lebanese expats to obtain the nationality, administrative decentralization and ways to support the army and the Internal Security Forces.
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