Franjieh Hails Dialogue between Rival Parties

Marada Movement chief MP Suleiman Franjieh lauded on Tuesday the dialogue between the political arch-foes.

“I am in principle with dialogue between any two parties,” Franjieh said in comments published in al-Mustaqbal newspaper, praising the first round of talks that kicked off between al-Mustaqbal Movement and Hizbullah.

Al-Mustaqbal movement and Hizbullah held their first meeting in Ain al-Tineh last week under the auspices of Speaker Nabih Berri, in an attempt to devise a “roadmap” and a “mechanism” for the coming dialogue sessions between the two parties.

Asked about his stance from the expected dialogue between the Lebanese Forces and the Free Patriotic Movement, the Christian leader said that he doesn't oppose it.

“On the contrary I support such an endeavor.”

Reports have said that Melhem Riachi, chairman of the LF communication department, and MP Ibrahim Kanaan from FPM chief MP Michel Aoun's Change and Reform bloc are holding meetings away from the media spotlight to prepare the agenda for the dialogue between the leaders of the two parties.

Both Aoun and LF leader Samir Geagea have announced their candidacies for the presidency. Their differences, in addition to the rivalry between the March 8 and 14 alliances, have left the presidential post vacant.

President Michel Suleiman's term ended in May.

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