Since the National Dialogue of 2005/6, Lebanese leaders and political parties have been engaged in many formal and informal discussions inside the country, but also in Switzerland, France, Spain and more recently in Qatar to find ways to deal with the country’s critical issues and conflicts. The strong presence and influence of major international powers and interests presents a constant challenge to Lebanon’s national stakeholders to sustain political stability and insulate the country’s national peace and dialogue processes in the interests’ of its own people. The historic differences and dynamic interests of Lebanon’s diverse peoples and groups are often exploited rather than mobilized as a strength and source for a rich national identity. With a national election in June 2009, political tensions will increase and the fault lines of deep-rooted difference will re-appear. Within these contexts, the National Dialogue has become the “safe space” to promote national unity, reconciliation, and a place to resolve key issues jointly.

The Qatar-facilitated negotiations provided the parties with renewed hope for a sustainable process and longer-term peace. When reports are made public by the parties and the Presidency, we will publish it on this website.