Region | Lebanon

Lebanese rivals begin talks in Doha

Lebanese leaders head for Qatar on Friday to end a political conflict in the country.

  • Reuters
  • Published: 15:31 May 16, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • Pro-government Druze leader Walid Junblatt (centre) during his visit to Baissour village on a tour of Druze villages.
  • Image Credit: EPA
Image 1 of 4
1234

Beirut: Rival Lebanese leaders are in Qatar for talks aimed at ending a protracted political conflict that has pushed the country to the brink of a new civil war.

One of the most influential members of the US-backed ruling coalition, which was dealt a blow by Hezbollah in six days of fighting, called for concessions to avoid conflict.

"Let us deal with matters calmly at the dialogue table. Each one of us and them must offer concessions to bury strife," Walid Junblatt said during a tour of Druze villages where his followers this week battled the Hezbollah.

"We are going to the dialogue with a great political wound," said Junblatt ahead of talks in Doha.

"We are going to Doha .... to come back, God willing, with an agreement that will allow Lebanese to look forward, benefiting from the past and its bitter experience," Prime Minister Fouad Siniora said before leaving for Qatar.

Qatari Emir Shaikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani hosted a dinner for the participants, and talks will start in earnest today, political sources said.

  • Rate this article
  • Average reader rating (0 votes) 0 Stars
Tools

Emailing an article to friend is a simple way to share a news item. Your friend will receive an email with your name and email address as well any personal message you choose to send.

The information you provide on this page will not be used to send unsolicited emails.

This service is not intended to encourage spam, and action may be taken against individuals who maliciously enter personal details of another individual.

Share this article

Related Articles

  1. Lebanon to elect president 'in days'

    Lebanon to elect president 'in days'

    Lebanon to elect president 'in days'

  2. Lebanon politicians could hold Qatar meeting

    Lebanon politicians could hold Qatar meeting

  3. Rivals agree on Lebanon settlement

    Rivals agree on Lebanon settlement

    Curbs against Hezbollah retracted by Lebanese government

  4. Deal to defuse Lebanon crisis unveiled

    Deal to defuse Lebanon crisis unveiled

    Deal to defuse Lebanon crisis unveiled

  5. Lebanon crisis cost country $600m

    Lebanon crisis has cost country $600m says tourism minister

  6. Saudi seeks emergency Arab meeting

    Saudi Arabia calls for Arab meeting on Lebanon crisis

  7. Siniora scraps anti-Hezbollah measures

    Siniora scraps anti-Hezbollah measures

    Siniora scraps anti-Hezbollah measures

  8. Profiles: Key players at the Doha talks

    Profiles: Key players at the Doha talks

    Key players at the Doha conference

More from Lebanon

  1. Unity Cabinet unlikely to tackle divisive arms issue

  2. Hezbollah leader lashes out at Obama

  3. New Lebanese regime's priorities

  4. Lebanon's unity cabinet comes under scrutiny

All articles in Lebanon

More from Region

Gulf News
Popular in News
News Editor's choice