Report: Political Crisis to Linger despite Suleiman's Efforts to Hold National Dialogue
President Michel Suleiman was adamant in holding further consultations with Lebanon's bickering leaders to ensure their participation in a national dialogue session as a first step towards ending the country's political crisis, sources said Monday.
But the sources told An Nahar daily that Suleiman wasn't very optimistic in his ability to convince the rival parties in reaching a deal that would prevent the country from sliding into further security and political tension.
The president launched a series of consultations with the national dialogue participants to lure back the March 14 opposition coalition to the all-party talks.
But the alliance called for the resignation of Prime Minister Najib Miqati's government and the formation of a neutral salvation cabinet as a prerequisite for attending a new round of talks at Baabda palace.
MP Marwan Hamadeh, a March 14 lawmaker, reiterated in remarks to Voice of Lebanon radio (93.3) on Monday that a “planned session for Nov. 29 will not be held before the change of the current government.”
The political crisis erupted on Oct. 19 when Internal Security Forces Intelligence Branch chief Wissam al-Hasan was assassinated in a car bomb explosion in Beirut's Ashrafiyeh district.
Suleiman has yet to meet with Speaker Nabih Berri, Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea and Tashnag party leaders to take the appropriate decision on setting a new date for the all-party talks.
Suleiman has signaled readiness to discuss the possibility of a government change at the dialogue table.
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