Khalil Meets al-Rahi: Dialogue Necessary to Resolve Political Crises

Speaker Nabih Berri's adviser Health Minister Ali Hassan Khalil stressed on Thursday the importance of dialogue as it is the only way to resolve the political crises in the country.

“Everyone should collaborate with the calls to resume dialogue,” Hassan told reporters after holding talks with Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi in Bkirki.

He pointed out that officials must “enhance the performance” of the cabinet and the parliamentary committees.

“Boycotting any official activity harms the Lebanese,” Khalil said.

The political crisis in the country, which was sparked after the assassination of Internal Security Forces Intelligence Bureau head Wissam al-Hasan on October 19, remains at a standstill as the March 14 alliance insists on the resignation of the cabinet 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 government on allegations that there's no alternative.

However, President Michel Suleiman is carrying out consultations with rival political parties to convince them to resume the all-party talks.

The last dialogue session was held at the Baabda Palace on September 20.