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May 17, 2008

Lebanese Political Leaders Begin Talks on Unity Government 
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High-level talks held in Qatar's capital, Doha 






General view of meeting of rival Lebanese leaders in Doha, 17 May 2008 Lebanon's political leaders are holding high-level talks aimed at pulling Lebanon back from the brink of a new civil war.

The leaders are meeting Saturday at a hotel in Qatar's capital, Doha.

Qatar's emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, officially opened the talks Friday, bringing together officials from Lebanon's pro-Western government and Hezbollah-led opposition. He stressed the need for the rivals to reach an agreement.

Also Friday, U.S. officials said Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora has canceled a meeting with President George Bush that had been scheduled for Sunday in Egypt. Officials said Mr. Siniora wants to focus his attention on the meetings in Doha.

The two Lebanese factions agreed Thursday to an Arab League proposal, brokered by Qatar's prime minister , Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem al-Thani, to resume talks on electing a new president and forming a unity government.

Recent clashes between the rival factions killed at least 65 people and wounded 200 others.

Lebanon has been without a president since pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud stepped down November 23 at the end of his term.

The government and opposition have agreed on the election of army commander General Michel Suleiman as president, but they differ on the composition of a new government.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.



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