Saniora: Discussion of Hizbullah’s Arms Condition to Resume National Dialogue

Al-Mustaqbal bloc leader MP Fouad Saniora stressed on Thursday that the resumption the national dialogue requires several steps among them implementing what the foes agreed on during the previous all-party talks, As Safir newspaper reported.

Saniora said that Hizbullah’s arms are a critical issue that should be a priority on any dialogue table, followed by the defense strategy, “and not the other way around.”

Speaker Nabih Berri held a meeting behind closed doors with Saniora and Prime Minister Najib Miqati on Wednesday.

Saniora told An Nahar newspaper published on Thursday that the opposition welcomes the invitation for dialogue. However, he said that it “needs some clear answers on some issues.”

On his part, Berri told As Safir that he discussed with Saniora the possibility of al-Mustaqbal movement’s participation in the national dialogue.

He noted that Saniora needs time before “giving his final answer.”

An Nahar newspaper reported that the meeting also discussed a financial issue concerning the cabinet’s extraordinary expenses that Saniora and some of the opposition MPs at the session demanded detailed clarifications on.

Saniora told An Nahar that the meeting aimed at emphasizing cooperation between the parties.

He remarked that the opposition demands establishing a “clear mechanism” concerning the cabinet’s extraordinary expenses.

Berri has continuously urged officials to re-launch the dialogue between the foes “without any previous conditions.”

He is expected to meet with President Michel Suleiman after Eid al-Adha holidays to inquire him about the reasons that are preventing the launching of the all-party talks.