National Dialogue ends, next session due on November 12

The national dialogue session convened at the Baabda Presidential Palace on Thursday morning in the absence of former PM Saad Hariri, El Marada leader Sleiman Frangieh, Lebanese Forces Cheif Samir Geagea and Head of the Democratic Party MP Talal Arslan who did not show up for personal reasons.   

In his opening statements Sleiman praised the success of Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Lebanon, considering that "this trip proved Lebanon's place on the map and its role as a message of freedom and coexistence."

On "Innocence of Muslims", Lebanon's president condemned the film's demeaning contents, stressing on the necessity of respecting the Baabda  Declaration's clauses.

Sleiman also emphasized that the kidnapping wave must stop and noted that the security forces are taking  all necessary measures.

He then presented his draft of a national defense strategy to the dialogue poles  in a document related to the weapons’ command and exclusivity of use.

The Lebanese leaders participating in the dialogue considered that Sleiman's strategy is the first step that might lead to a consensual  national defense strategy.

The leaders also agreed on considering the anti-Muslim film and cartoons as condemned acts which aim to "insight sedition". They also stressed on their support to the cabinet's position that call for issuing an international law prohibiting the offense of  religions.

Other subjects were on the session's agenda, including economic and social issues.

PSP front-man Walid Jumblatt, the first to issue statements at the sessions end, said: "I was the first to call for a dialogue; session was calm&we agreed on many sensitive issues,mainly the ranks and salaries series." On the defense strategy Jumblatt said:" Sleiman gave us a negotiable item on the defense strategy; whereby we all agreed upon discussing it."

"I salute the Lebanese army who made great strides in Tripoli," he continued.

MP Michel Pharoun also echoed Jumblatt's positivity regarding President Sleiman's defense item, however commented that it may be far-fetched.

On former Minister Michel Samaha's case, dialogue poles stated that their response  will be made public in due time.

Sleiman, and after the dialogue session, met with the Future bloc Head, Deputy Fouad Siniora.

Among the participants: Kataeb Chief Amine Gemayel, National Struggle Front MP Walid Jumblatt, Loyalty to the Resistance leader MP Mohammad Raad, MP Jean Ogassapian, MP Hagop Bakradonian, Deputy House Speaker Farid Makari, MP Michel el-Murr,  and Change and Reform bloc leader MP Michel Aoun .

The next session is scheduled for the 12th of November 2012.