Defense strategy main item on the National dialogue agenda
Political advisor to President Michel Sleiman, Nazem al-Khoury, said that no final date or agenda has been set for the national dialogue, but when it takes place, it will include some matters that were discussed at the last national dialogue roundtable in the parliament.
“The defense strategy will be a main item on the agenda,” he said after meeting with Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea and delivering to him an invitation to the dialogue.
Khoury noted that the dialogue is not related to President Michel Sleiman’s visit to Damascus and said that preparations for the dialogue are underway.
He also noted that the statements of some ministers over the past few days are very encouraging.
“I haven’t discussed the issue of the ministerial statement with Geagea,” Khoury told reporters.
He added that President Sleiman is keeping abreast of the discussions over the ministerial statement but is not interfering in its drafting.
Commenting on rumors that PM Siniora informed President Sleiman at Baabda yesterday of a formula he will suggest to the ministerial statement drafting committee, Khoury said it is normal for the president and the prime minister to discuss the statement, especially since all of Lebanon is waiting for its release.