Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea said after meeting President Michel Suleiman on Friday that he hopes the government would be formed in 24 hours and proposed national dialogue prior to its policy statement.
Geagea, talking to reporters at the Republican Palace, said the atmosphere is "positive" and expressed hope that such atmosphere would persist so that a "breakthrough could be achieved."

Such a breakthrough, Geagea added, may lead to success in forming the new cabinet in 24 hours.

Geagea proposed the launching of national dialogue "following the cabinet formation and prior to discussing its policy statement to provide the base for the policy statement."

Such dialogue is needed in light of the "major political differences" among the various factions, he explained.

Geagea said he also discussed with Suleiman the security situation along the lines of regaining state authority.

Earlier in the day, Geagea was quoted by the Mustaqbal daily as saying Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun is "trying to achieve political gains by blackmailing."

Aoun, according to Geagea, is "the front window for Syria and Iran that do not seem upset by blocking the political process as long as they are not directly responsible for it."

"The government would eventually be formed because neither Syria nor Hizbullah can topple the Doha Accord," he said. 
 
 

Beirut, 04 Jul 08, 11:52