Lahoud looms on resigning

The Lebanese defense minister Elias al-Murr, son in law of the Lebanese President Lahoud, where al-Murr discussed with the Maronite patriarch Nasrullah Sfeir Lahoud's issue, quoted the Lebanese president as saying that he is ready to leave office but under the condition that the 14 Lebanese leaders, participants in the dialogue will agree on the alternative and the program.

Assessments of Lebanese politicians were varied on the extent of the progress of the inter-Lebanese dialogue in its fifth day. While Junblat talked about a deadlock, parliamentarian Saad al-Hariri indicated "numerous positive points" noting that there is no need be in a hurry in taking decisions.

On the other hand, the speaker of the Lebanese parliament Nabih Berri said that dialogue is proceeding and that there are "obstacles, but all of this we should eliminate, if there are good intention."

He indicated that the topics that are so far discussed are the weapons of the Palestinians in Lebanon, the weapons of Hizbullah, the Shabaa farms, border demarcation with Israel after liberation, the issues of prisoners and the detainees and the Israeli aggressions.

He also said that issues to be discussed later are the relations with Syria and agreements signed with it, denying bargaining in any of these debated issued. He indicated that the agenda will be approved item by item at the end of the discussions.