Berri Expects Majority of Political Blocs to Advocate his Initiative

Speaker Nabih Berri voiced his satisfaction with the discussions his Development and Liberation bloc has so far held with political powers and that are aimed at tackling his initiative to resume dialogue, reported As Safir newspaper on Monday.

He predicted to the daily that the majority of the political blocs will endorse his initiative.

He added that the Development and Liberation parliamentary bloc had held “satisfactory” meetings so far with President Michel Suleiman, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Miqati, and Premier-designate Tammam Salam.

He told the daily An Nahar Monday that he will relay to Suleiman “the culmination of the bloc's talks with parties and only then will he take the decision to resume dialogue or not.”

He expected that the political blocs will advocate the call to return to the all-party talks despite reservations expressed by the Musatqbal and Lebanese Forces blocs.

Commenting on the initiative, Salam told As Safir: “Berri always seeks dialogue and this is not the first proposal of its kind.”

“I am still convinced however that the formation of the government should be limited to the prime minister-designate and president,” he remarked.

Head of the Musatqbal bloc MP Fouad Saniora meanwhile described to As Safir the initiative as “a waste of time.”

Berri had proposed the resumption of national dialogue at the Baabda Palace for a period of at least five consecutive days to discuss the form and policy statement of the future cabinet. He said 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.

Berri tasked lawmakers of his Development and Liberation bloc 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 bloc is expected to conclude its tour of officials later this week.