Naharnet

Berri Lauds Historic Role of Christians, Urges Officials to Resume Dialogue

Speaker Nabih Berri stressed on Wednesday the importance of the conference on the Christians in the Middle East that will be held at the Universite Saint-Esprit de Kaslik.

During his weekly meeting with lawmakers in parliament, Berri lauded the historic role of Christians whom he said are an essential component of the region’s people.

He said he would task a parliamentary delegation with participating in the conference that will be organized by the members of the European parliament in cooperation with several parliaments in the region.

Berri also called for a parliamentary session at 10:30 am next Wednesday.

He urged officials to return to the dialogue table, announcing that he will discuss the issue with President Michel Suleiman.

“We must go back to dialogue,” Berri told An Nahar newspaper.

He said in remarks published in the daily that if Prime Minister Najib Miqati “welcomed” the gesture, Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun and Hizbullah “agreed” and Progressive Socialist Party chief MP Walid Jumblat’s “aspirations” were achieved through the resumption of the dialogue, then the issue will be discussed with al-Mustaqbal bloc leader Fouad Saniora and the opposition figures.

The daily reported that Berri will begin on Wednesday his contacts to discuss various issues and the Special Tribunal for Lebanon probing the assassination of ex-Premier Rafik Hariri.

The president had continuously urged the Lebanese foes to resume dialogue. However, his invitation faced obstacles over the issues to be discussed on the table.

Concerning the interview of Hizbullah Chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the Speaker told As Safir newspaper that his words were “reasonable” and come from a clear analysis to the crises.

Nasrallah ruled out on Monday that his party will support the funding of the STL, stating that if the cabinet failed to reach consensus on the matter, then it should be submitted to vote at the parliament.


Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. https://naharnet.com/stories/en/18526