During today's roundtable, Hezbollah maintained their support for president Lahoud, who insist "a change of the presidency is not necessary at this time."

When president Lahoud spoke on Al Jazeera over the weekend, he indicated that Hezbollah should retain their arms and militia status until the entire population of Palestinian refugees across the world return to Israel. Although it has been obvious all along, Hezbollah and the pro-Syrian president have continued to protect and support one another regardless of the circumstances.

The extended talks highlighted the widening gap between Syria's loyalists and the Lebanese majority. The organizer of the roundtable talks, Speaker Nabih Berri, has said the talks would carry on for as long as it takes –even if it means weeks or months - to resolve these issues.

The national talks have brought to light the persistent influence that Syria still commands over loyalist politicians, emphasizing the importance of removing the unpopular, loyalist president Lahoud.

Berri said that the issue of the presidency would be discussed in behind-the-scene deliberations rather than in open sessions. According to Berri, discussions "were more frank than at any other time before ... We found that the issue needs more discussion and consultations".

"All of our decisions must end in consensus, no one can force his opinion on the others," he said.

"We all know that there is a crisis in the country and we are all determined to end it," anti-Syrian parliament majority leader Saad al-Hariri told reporters.

"I am optimistic about the issue of the presidency and God willing we will find a new president for our beloved country Lebanon."

Wednesday's session did not tackle Hizbollah's arms.

Unfortunately no agreement was reached at the dialogue, and the talks were postponed again until Monday, March 27. Rather than trying to solve the presidency issue as an internal Lebanese affair, the dialogue will precede an Arab summit being hosted in Khartoum on Tuesday, March 28, where Arab leaders will try to solve the Lebanese political crisis. Top items on the Arab summit agenda include breaking a deadlock on Hizbullah's disarmament and the fate of president Lahoud.

Walid Jumblatt (L) shakes hands with Lebanese former president Amin Gemayel (R) as MP Strida Geagea (2nd L) and Communications Minister Marwan Hamadeh (2nd R) looks on

Lebanese Parliament house speaker Nabih Berri, parliament majority leader Saad al-Hariri amd MP Hassan Yaacoub are all smiles

Hizbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah (C) tells a joke as Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora (R) cracks up, as does Hizbollah MP Mohammad Foneish (L) - a.k.a. Paulie from the Sopranos :)

Sources: Ya Libnan, Reuters, Naharnet
Photo credit: Yahoo, Reuters