Report: Suleiman Contacts Hariri, Jumblat to Ease Differences between them

Efforts are underway in order to bridge the differences between former Prime Minister Saad Hariri and Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat in light of the assassination of Internal Security Forces Intelligence Bureau head Brigadier General Wissam al-Hasan, reported the pan-Arab daily al-Hayat on Sunday.

It revealed that President Michel Suleiman contacted the two officials in order to ease the dispute between them.

He made the contacts as part of his ongoing efforts to resume the national dialogue sessions.

The next session is set for November 12.

The dispute erupted between Hariri and Jumblat on Thursday with the MP revealing that the former premier had requested the resignation of his ministers in cabinet in order to topple the government.

The PSP leader refused the request after which Hariri accused him of allying himself with the Syrian and Iranian alliance against Lebanon's interests.

Jumblat has repeatedly warned that the resignation of the government without a substitute one being reached could lead Lebanon to a power vacuum.

The March 14-led opposition accused Syria of being behind the October 19 bombing in Beirut's Ashrafiyeh district that killed Hasan.

The government is comprised of mainly pro-Syria forces.

The opposition has since announced that it will no longer take part in the national dialogue or any activity that government members participate in.