Berri's Bloc Tours Top Officials to Explain Dialogue Initiative

Development and Liberation bloc MPs met on Friday with President Michel Suleiman and Caretaker Premier Najib Miqati to brief them on Speaker Nabih Berri's “roadmap” on the new government and the national dialogue.

Berri tasked his lawmakers to meet with top officials and parliamentary blocs to explain to them his initiative, which he said is aimed at bringing the country's political deadlock to an end.

The speaker, who is also the head of the Amal movement, reiterated in remarks to An Nahar daily published Friday that his roadmap paves way for ending the current crisis and facilitating the formation of the new cabinet.

He said if Miqati makes a similar proposal, then he wouldn't oppose it.

Miqati revealed Thursday that he would also announce an initiative to resolve Lebanon's political crisis.

A statement issued by Baabda Palace following the bloc's visit Friday said Suleiman welcomes any initiative that seeks dialogue.

He “stressed the necessity to review the mechanisms for the implementation of previous decisions reached at the national dialogue table such as the Baabda Declaration,” it said.

The caretaker PM's press office also said that Miqati reiterated his support for any initiative that revives the all-party talks to “lay understandings that protect the nation at these difficult circumstances.”

Miqati said he would cooperate with Berri to “salvage Lebanon” after he described him as an official who is keen on the constitutional institutions and the unity of the Lebanese.

The speaker has called for the resumption of national dialogue at Baabda palace for a period of at least five consecutive days to discuss the form and policy statement of the future cabinet. He said Premier-designate Tammam Salam should attend the all-party talks that bring together the rival March 8 and 14 alliances.

He also called for reviving talks on a new electoral law, supporting the military to deal with arms proliferated in several regions and addressing a national defense strategy, a reference to Hizbullah's arms.

The Development and Liberation delegation will also meet with Salam on Friday.