Lebanon political rivals gather to break deadlock for unity

Rival political leaders in Lebanon convened on Tuesday in Ain al-Tineh for a three-day national dialogue aimed at breaking deadlocks in the government.

At the beginning of the session, Speaker Nabih Berri urged all rivals to agree on an all-inclusive solution starting with electing a new president, local MTV reported.

"It is a chance to reach consensus, and might be our last," Berri was quoted as saying.

He warned that the sessions presented the "last of a very important opportunity to break the current deadlock and revive the state's paralyzed institutions."

But the Lebanese Forces, the only party that boycotts the national dialogue, dismissed it as "a waste of time."

Nevertheless, Centrist Progressive Socialist Party's leader Walid Jumblatt described the meeting as positive when he left the session.

"There are some hurdles that we should thaw. But we agreed with Berri on the importance of resuming dialogue," he told reporters. "Matters only require a little patience," he added.

Visiting Iran's top policy official Alaeddin Boroujerdi said on Tuesday his country wants to see a united Lebanon.

"Iran supports Lebanon's unity and dialogue and we are ready for any measure that fortifies ties between the two countries," he said.

However, expectations for feuding parties to reach understanding are low, as they have failed to elect a president and endorse an electoral law since 2014.

Lebanon has been without a president since May 25, 2014 the day former President Michel Suleiman ended his tenure.

A power struggle has since erupted between rival political parties Future Movement, backed by Saudi Arabia and the West, and Hezbollah's Loyalty to the Resistance, ally of Iran and Syria. Endit