Region | Lebanon
Progress made on day three of Lebanese talks in Doha
The third day of talks between rival Lebanese leaders saw some progress being made but tough obstacles delayed a deal from being sealed.
- Agencies
- Published: 13:59 May 18, 2008
- Image Credit: AP
- Hezbollah's Mohammed talks to journalists ahead of day three of talks between Lebanon's leaders in Doha.
Doha: The third day of talks between rival Lebanese leaders saw some progress being made but tough obstacles delayed a deal from being sealed.
Qatari Prime Minister Shaikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabr Al Thani hosted intensive meetings with leaders of both groups to try and bring Lebanon back from the brink of a new civil war, but was unable to reach a consensus on the shape on the new government – one of the most crucial issues on the table.
His latest proposal suggested dividing cabinet seats into three equal parts, one for each side and one for the new president, an offer the opposition had agreed to.
The ruling coalition, however, said it was still awaiting an agreement on other issues before giving a final answer.
A six-member committee in charge of laying the framework for a new election law made headway but faltered on how to divide Beirut electorally.
The governing coalition also demanded that Hezbollah not turn its weapons against them again.
One senior delegate said: "There has been some progress here and there, but some major issues remain.''
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