Lebanon rivals meet for second round of national dialogue

Lebanon's political elite met for a second round of dialogue on Wednesday and are expected to gather again for a third session in an attempt to reach a common ground over sharp differences on vital issues, with presidential elections remaining at the forefront of discussions, according to the Daily Star.

The second round of the all-party talks Wednesday convened under the sponsorship of Speaker Nabih Berri at the Parliament and coincided with a large protest in Downtown Beirut against the dialogue.

Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt left the session early, citing personal reasons, but praised the "positive atmosphere" at the talks.

"Another session will be held," he told reporters outside the Parliament, which is located in Downtown's Nejmeh Square.

The PSP chief said that he was compelled to leave the session early "for personal reasons,” but Ghazi al-Aridi, who was accompanying him, would remain at the table.

"I'll remain a strong supporter of dialogue," Jumblatt later tweeted, saying that "discussions were useful and rich as always."

The session was marred by skirmishes between Internal Security Forces’ riot police and protesters in several areas surrounding Nejmeh Square in Downtown Beirut.

Source: MENA