Berri Urges March 14 to Resume Dialogue, Talks to Focus on Cabinet Formation
Speaker Nabih Berri called on March 14 alliance to engage in dialogue with foes after the resignation of Prime Minister Najib Miqati's cabinet, stressing that the all-party talks should focus on the formation of a new government.
“The way is open for the resumption of dialogue under the auspices of President (Michel) Suleiman,” Berri said in comments published in An Nahar on Sunday.
Miqati announced his resignation on Friday night in light of the cabinet's failure to approve the decisions to form of an authority to oversee the parliamentary elections and extend the term of Internal Security Forces chief Ashraf Rifi.
Reactions to Miqati's step were mixed with some sides calling for the formation of a salvation government and others condemning his step at such a critical time in the region and ahead of the parliamentary elections, which are scheduled for June 9.
According to the newspaper, the speaker's initiative wasn't in coordination with Suleiman.
Berri pointed out that dialogue should only tackle the formation of a new cabinet and the electoral law, urging the rival parties to hold one round of talks before kicking off consultations to form a new government.
Lebanon plunged in a political crisis in October after the opposition blamed the government for the assassination of Internal Security Forces Intelligence Branch chief Wissam al-Hasan.
The opposition boycotted dialogue despite Suleiman's extensive efforts to resume talks between the rival factions.
The last dialogue session was held on September 20.
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://naharnet.com/stories/en/76784 |