National Struggle Front, Hezbollah agree over dialogue

Following a meeting held between a delegation from the National Struggle Front and representatives of the Hezbollah leadership within the framework of the initiative launched by the Front’s leader MP Walid Jumblatt, Public Works and Transportation Minister Ghazy Aridi stressed that they agreed with Hezbollah over the dialogue’s concept, noting that it is the only way to reach common grounds between rival parties.        

He pointed that several meetings will be held with various political parties to discuss all the proposals, including the dialogue.                                

Aridi explained that the step they made completes the initiative of President Michel Sleiman who "is well aware of the importance of leadership meetings," stressing the importance of the national interest above all matters.                                        

On the postponement of the dialogue session, Aridi said that the decision was taken due to the boycott of some parties. “We respect their decision to boycott, but we think that this step comes at the wrong time, is a negative move and will not resolve the issues at hand,” Aridi added.                        

For his part, Sheikh Naim Qassem said that the main point in Jumblatt's initiative is dialogue and stressed that Hezbollah supports dialogue unconditionally.                  

"Our stance is clear and no political party can dominate political representation seemingly since time will reveal all those who are betting on regional and international developments," Qassem concluded.