Berri Says Dialogue is Urgent Amid Reported Deal to Launch Talks on Thursday
Speaker Nabih Berri said Monday that the national dialogue at Baabda palace has become a necessity after the resignation of Prime Minister Najib Miqati's government.
The resumption of the dialogue has become “urgent and necessary” to study how the parliamentary elections could be held and the new government formed, Berri told As Safir daily.
He said he personally rejects the formation of a neutral or technocrat government because the situation in the country and the region “requires a political cabinet that can rule and overcome this stage with the least damages.”
Berri's remarks came as al-Joumhouria reported that consultations are underway between the different factions since the resignation of the government on Friday to hold the dialogue in Baabda.
The newspaper said an initial agreement was reached to resume the all-party talks on Thursday after President Michel Suleiman's return from Doha, where he is due to attend an Arab League summit on Tuesday.
Suleiman on Saturday asked the outgoing prime minister to stay on in a caretaking role. Miqati stepped down on Friday amid a political deadlock between the March 8 and 14 alliances and infighting within his own government.
Al-Joumhouria said Suleiman will start consultations with parliamentary blocs on April 2 after the Easter holiday to ask a prime minister to form the new government.
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