Lebanon could witness the birth of a new government within 24 hours, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea said Friday, according to dpa. Speaking after a meeting with President Michel Suleiman at the Baabda Palace, east of Beirut, he said the atmosphere was positive and he was hopeful of a breakthrough. He attributed the delay in the government formation of Premier Fouad Seniora to the demands of the change and reform bloc which is headed by Christian opposition leader General Michel Aoun. Geagea said there was a possibility of a meeting with Aoun under the auspices of the president. Geagea proposed a national dialogue among rival Lebanese leaders prior to the issuance of a government statement. "I suggested to president Suleiman that they hold a national dialogue after the establishment of the government and before drafting the government's plan of action, so that political factions can agree over the new government's basic principles," he said. Dialogue was needed in the light of "major political differences", among the various factions, Geagea said. Geagea said he also discussed with Suleiman the security situation and the regaining of state authority.
