Mr. Fouad Makhzoumi: the absence of Sunni figures at the national dialogue table is a serious weakness.

The head of the National Dialogue Party, Mr. Fouad Makhzoumi, welcomed the announcement made by President Suleiman regarding the resumption of the national dialogue discussions, during which a new defence strategy aimed at protecting Lebanon from the ongoing Israeli threats will be put in place.

Mr. Makhzoumi noted the absence of Sunni figures involved in these discussions, adding that such an absence weakened the function of the dialogue.

Finally, Mr. Makhzoumi commented that the National Dialogue Party has always called for inter-Lebanese dialogue in order to address national issues of disagreement. However, Mr. Makhzoumi warned against the persistent policy of exclusion of some key players, adding that the country needs all its citizens to be involved and on board.