Suleiman Says Dialogue Must Resume, Can't be 'Temporary'

President Michel Suleiman stressed on Saturday that dialogue can't be “temporary” as it can't be bounded by conditions.

“We should maintain our independence, sovereignty and attend the all-party talks as it can't be temporary nor limited,” Suleiman said.

He urged Lebanese foes not to be skeptical about the competency or credibility of others.

“We must be keen on preserving the interests of the nation,” Suleiman pointed out

The political crisis in Lebanon deepened the gap between the March 14 opposition and the March 8 alliance after the assassination of Internal Security Forces Intelligence Bureau head Wissam al-Hasan on October 19.

Suleiman is carrying out consultations with various political powers on the possibility of resuming the all-party talks, however, the opposition insists on the resignation of the cabinet as a main condition to continue any political activity with its foes, while the March 8 coalition rejects the formation of a new government on allegations that there's no alternative.

The last dialogue session was held on September 20 at the Baabda Palace.

The president also called on kicking off oil and gas exploration process to rectify the country's economy and develop it.

The cabinet approved on November 7 the formation of the Petroleum Authority, the first major step in future oil exploration since parliament passed a law last year setting the country's maritime boundary and Exclusive Economic Zone.

The six-member committee has the power to negotiate with international oil companies and issue licenses for the firms that will win the tenders.

The head of the committee will be rotated each year between the six members to appease the major factions in the country.