Le Drian dialogue: Who would attend it and where?

It is still not known where Lebanese parties would meet to hold a dialogue that French Envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian might call for or what the dialogue's agenda would be.

The dialogue might be held at the Pine Residence, al-Akhbar newspaper said Friday, despite Speaker Nabih Berri's wish for it to be held in parliament, which is still probable, especially according to Ain el-Tineh sources.

The sources told al-Akhbar that what is being discussed is how France will participate in the dialogue and whether a French representative would attend it without heading the dialogue sessions.

"We have set up the dialogue table in parliament. We prefer that it be held there, knowing that the French have proposed holding it at the Pine Residence, while some have suggested that it be held outside Lebanon," Berri's visitors had quoted him as saying earlier this week.

- Who will attend the dialogue -

Heads of parliamentary blocs will participate in the dialogue, sources said, which means that many party leaders would not necessarily participate. Berri himself had reportedly said that he would not attend the dialogue, but he would be represented by a member of his bloc.

On Thursday, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea said he would not waste time on a vain dialogue with Hezbollah and asked Le Drian not to call for dialogue.

But informed sources told al-Akhbar that the Lebanese Forces bloc might participate if all parties agree on holding a dialogue that would also be supported by Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi.