Berri sends official messages on dialogue to LF, FPM

Speaker Nabih Berri is continuing to work on his dialogue initiative despite the negative indications and he is receiving written answers from the heads of the parliamentary blocs, a media report said.

“Berri has sent official messages to the Strong Republic and Strong Lebanon blocs,” al-Liwaa newspaper reported on Saturday, referring to the parliamentary blocs of the Lebanese Forces and the Free Patriotic Movement.

“The LF’s answer was forthright rejection, as the FPM responded with a series of conditions that it deemed necessary,” the daily said.

The FPM’s response sought to “prevent Berri from presiding over dialogue and rejecting any format linking (electoral) sessions to (dialogue’s) results,” something that Ain el-Tineh sources have described as an attempt at obstruction and at absolving the FPM from torpedoing dialogue and the resulting repercussions, al-Liwaa added.

The newspaper also reported that Berri sent his message to FPM chief Jebran Bassil through MPs Alain Aoun and Elias Bou Saab and to LF leader Samir Geagea through MP Melhem Riachi.

“Berri has been quoted as saying that he is the one who will oversee dialogue,” the daily added.