Suleiman Committed To Dialogue, Neutral About Centrist Bloc
President Michel Suleiman was quoted as saying on the eve of the fourth round of all-party talks that he was committed to dialogue and that he has nothing to do with the centrist parliamentary bloc, which has caused controversy in Lebanon.
Suleiman said he adheres to the policy of dialogue "which provides an opportunity for leaders to meet, thus, facilitating an atmosphere of calm."
On the controversial issue of a centrist parliamentary bloc, Suleiman reiterated that he has "nothing to do with all that."
"I will not enter the election battle. I will neither adopt a candidate nor support another," Suleiman on Sunday was quoted as saying.
"I will not object to anyone who wins (the elections) and wants to be later in a centrist or neutral bloc," he added.
Suleiman was also said to be considering setting up a committee to study the defense strategy proposed by Hizbullah.
Press reports said Suleiman would ask the 14 Lebanese political leaders at the fourth dialogue session to be held at Baabda Palace on Monday to name their representatives to a political-military teamwork in an effort to come out with a unified vision on the defense strategy.