Aoun’s Dialogue ‘Likely’ Won’t Happen as Many Said Will Boycott
President Michel Aoun likely won’t call for a national dialogue, since many announced they won’t attend it, informed sources said.
Sources close to the Presidency told Asharq al-Awsat newspaper, in remarks published Wednesday, that Aoun will make a final decision after finishing his meetings with political leaders.
“Every party will be responsible for the position it takes on from the national dialogue,” the sources added.
In a speech last month, the President had proposed “urgent” national dialogue over a host of key issues, mainly "broad administrative and financial decentralization, a defense strategy to protect Lebanon, and a financial and economic recovery plan that would include the necessary reforms and a fair distribution of losses."
On Tuesday, Aoun kicked off bilateral meetings to explore the possibility of holding the dialogue.
He met with Resistance bloc head MP Mohammed Raad and Lebanese Democratic Party leader Talal Arslan, who both said they would attend the dialogue.
Marada Movement chief Suleiman Franjieh said he will boycott it, describing it as a “photo op.”
Al-Mustaqbal Movement leader ex-PM Saad Hariri and the Lebanese Forces had already said they won’t take part.
Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat also reportedly said he would not attend the proposed dialogue, saying it is “useless.” He had previously said he can’t attend it due to a “flu infection.”
Aoun is scheduled to meet today, Wednesday with delegations from the Consultative Gathering, the Syrian Social National Party, the Armenian bloc and the Strong Lebanon bloc.
Source: Naharnet
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