Interior Minister Says Early to Talk about Progress in Dialogue with Hizbullah

Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq hailed on Wednesday the bilateral talks between the political arch-foes, stressing the necessity of dialogue to safeguard the country.

“Dialogue between (al-Mustaqbal Movement) and Hizbullah is a strategic option,” Mashnouq told reporters after talks with Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun at his residence in Rabieh.

The minister, who is affiliated to al-Mustaqbal movement, stressed that there's no backing down on dialogue with Hizbullah, however, he said: “It's still too early to talk about any progress in the talks.”

Mashnouq said that he discussed with Aoun the recent developments in the country and highlighted the importance of electing a new head of state.

“We agreed that dialogue is important and gives us hope as long as it doesn't include stubbornness from any side,” he told reporters.

Dialogue between Hizbullah and al-Mustaqbal had kicked off on December 23 between the two parties and officials from both sides have said it is making progress on several topics.

Preparatory meetings are also underway between the FPM and the Lebanese Forces to pave the way for launching a similar dialogue between Aoun and LF chief Samir Geagea.

Mashnouq revealed that he conveyed a message to Aoun from head of al-Mustaqbal Movement ex-Prime Minister Saad Hariri, underlining the necessity of dialogue.

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