Suleiman Says Dialogue 'Only' and 'Most Honorable' Way to Confront Problems

President Michel Suleiman stressed on Monday that dialogue is the “only” and “most elevated” way to resolve the current crisis in the country and find a solution for it.

“Dialogue should be based on good intentions and open minds by giving priority to Lebanon's interests,” Suleiman pointed out.

He stated that “it's the only way to safeguard the country against foreign and Israeli threats and its daily violations to U.N. Security Council resolution 1701.”

The president reiterated his calls on Lebanese rival political parties to ponder the “delicate situation that the region is passing through in order to protect the country from any negative repercussions.”

Suleiman is carrying out consultations with Lebanese foes to convince them to resume the national dialogue.

The March 14-led opposition insists on the resignation of the government as a main condition for the resumption of the national dialogue and official activity with their foes, while the March 8 coalition rejects the formation of a new cabinet on allegations that there is no alternative for it.

The assassination of Internal Security Forces Intelligence Bureau head Brigadier General Wissam al-Hasan on October 19 has raised fears about unrest in Lebanon, which is divided between supporters and opponents of Syrian President Bashar Assad, whose country supervised its small neighbor for nearly 30 years.

The Ashrafiyeh bombing in Beirut that killed Hasan along with two others deepened the gap between the March 14 alliance and the March 8 camp.

Suleiman held talks on Monday with Interior Minister Marwan Charbel at the Baabda Palace, who briefed him on the security situation in the country.

He also tackled the matter with Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji.