BEIRUT, 14 March 2006 — Leaders of Lebanon’s rival factions yesterday resumed talks seeking consensus on the biggest issues that divide the country — the fate of the pro-Syrian president and the UN call for Hezbollah’s disarmament. Politicians and business leaders have warned of instability and economic woes if the talks fail.
“We must use all our potential to prevent the dialogue from collapsing,” parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri, the convener of the conference, was quoted as saying in yesterday’s edition of As-Safir newspaper. “The conference provides a precious opportunity for national salvation,” Berri said of the talks.
Prime Minister Fuad Siniora told As-Safir that any delay in a settlement would further damage the economy, which is reeling under a public debt of more than $35 billion racked up since the end of the 1975-90 civil war.
Participants in the morning session described the talks as positive but it appeared a breakthrough was not close. “The atmosphere is good. But discussions on some points are difficult,” Christian leader Samir Geagea told reporters. Soldiers, armed police and concrete barriers cordoned off the Parliament building yesterday as the 14 faction leaders — Muslim and Christian, pro- and anti-Syrian — arrived for the talks. Druze leader Walid Jumblatt came in an inconspicuous car — a small, old Renault — for the sake of security.
