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

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

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