Berri to Invite Lebanese Leaders for Dialogue If Arab Summit Fails to Find Solution

by **Admin** Thu Mar 27, 2008 2:56 am

Speaker Nabih Berri has said he would invite rival Lebanese leaders for talks next month if the Arab summit in
Damascus failed to find a solution to Lebanon's ongoing political crisis.

Berri also indicated he would postpone for the 17th time a parliament session scheduled for Tuesday to elect a new president.

"Until this moment, there is nothing new that stops the postponement of the session," Berri told New TV in a live interview Sunday.

The Speaker said he would consult Arab and foreign leaders on his next steps if there was no breakthrough at the March 29-30 summit.

Berri told New TV that he would call on bickering politicians who participated in the 2006 roundtable national dialogue to meet again if there was no progress at the Arab summit.

"I will call (for a) dialogue to consult over the national unity government and the election law" in April, Berri said.

He said his new initiative does not contradict with the Arab League initiative which calls for the election of Army Chief Gen. Michel Suleiman president, the formation of a national unity cabinet and the adoption of a new electoral law.

He said the parliamentary elections law was the main sticking point between the majority and the Hizbullah-led opposition.

The speaker also accused the majority March 14 forces of causing the presidential vacuum, saying they back out from agreements.

"They have greed," he said, adding that all Lebanese leaders are "extremists" but "not traitors."
Lebanon has been without a president since Emile Lahoud stepped down in November.

On accusations that he is keeping the legislature's door closed, Berri said: "How come it is said that parliament is closed when every time we schedule (new) sessions?" to elect a head of state.

His comment came in responses to charges made by the March 14 coalition that Berri was rejecting efforts to convene parliament.

He also said Premier Fouad Saniora should represent Lebanon at the Arab summit although his government is "unconstitutional."

"I know that Saniora won't go. But if there was specific and intense Arab presence (in Damascus), Lebanon will go," Berri said.

The cabinet is scheduled to meet on Tuesday to decide whether Lebanon should attend or boycott the summit.