Berri to call for dialogue in early October, says everyone should participate

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri will call for dialogue in early October.

"If nothing happens, I will head the dialogue with Deputy Speaker Elias Bou Saab," Berri told al-Liwaa newspaper in remarks published Monday.

Berri had called for a seven-day dialogue, following which open presidential election sessions would be held. The blocs opposed to Hezbollah have refused to take part in talks to agree on a president before proceeding with a vote, preferring to rely on the democratic process.

"It will be like the papal election," Berri said to stress that the election will be held through open sessions with successive rounds.

In the first round of voting, the winner needs two-thirds majority, or 86 votes from the 128 members of parliament. In the second round, the winner only requires 65 ballots.

"We still have time," Berri said, adding that he has hope that a solution will be reached.

Berri confirmed that Qataris will visit Lebanon with a proposal, as Qatari envoy Abou Fahad Jassem Al-Thani will reportedly arrive in Beirut today to address Lebanon’s presidential file.

Berri called on everyone to participate in the seven-day dialogue for it to be "fruitful." "Let's wait for the parties' final decisions to act accordingly," he said.