Siniora's pan-Arab tour focused on the ongoing political crisis in Lebanon and strained Lebanese-Syrian relations, visiting Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain.
Saniora met yesterday with the King of Bahrain Sheik Hamad Bin Issa al-Khalifa and his counterpart Sheik Khalifa Bin Salman al-Khalifa, to discuss convening a meeting of Arab foreign ministers to tackle Lebanese-Syrian relations.
Meanwhile Lebanese MP Samir Franjieh said that inter-Lebanese dialogue wouldn't settle the ongoing Crisis, because "the problem is between Lebanon and Syria."
Franjieh made the statement to reporters at Bkirki after meeting Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir.
"We had been engaged in dialogue, the outcome of which was not implemented. Going back to bickering wouldn't be useful. The problem is not between the Lebanese (factions), but between Lebanon and Syria," Franjieh said.
He said a stand declared Wednesday by MP Michel Murr was "certainly positive. Other members of the Change and Reform Bloc are required to take whatever steps they deem proper."
Franjieh said the ongoing presidential void "poses a serious threat to out future. We are seriously considering how to end it."
Berri Furious with Siniora
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on Thursday accused Premier Fouad Saniora of usurping power and seeking to torpedo a settlement that appears within reach.
Berri, in remarks distributed by the state-run National News Agency (NNA), also accused Saniora of "causing the blocking of institutions, including dialogue that was underway in November 2006."
Saniora had said Berri is not eligible to sponsor national dialogue because he is a ranking member of the Hizbullah-led opposition and cannot be a referee.
Sources: Naharnet, Ya Libnan
Tags: Bahrain, Fouad Siniora, Nabih Berri, Parliament, Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir, Samir Franjiyeh, Syria
