Lebanese President Michel Aoun and parliament Speaker Nabih Berri met on Monday on the occasion of the country's Independence Day, marking the first meeting between the rivals since the formation of Najib Mikati's government.
The meeting was an opportunity to tackle pending issues, especially the suspension of cabinet sessions.
Lebanon has been in political paralysis since Oct. 12, amid a row over the lead investigator of the August 4, 2020’s deadly Beirut port blast disrupted a government meeting.
Mikati had said he would not call for another cabinet meeting until a framework for a solution over the matter was reached.
On Monday, Aoun, Berri and Mikati attended a military parade at the Defense Ministry marking Independence Day and later met at the Baabda presidential palace.
After the meeting, Mikati described the talks as "serious".
Ministerial sources said the fact that the meeting was held was enough to "thaw tensions that could in turn lead to some sort of solution."
The sources told Asharq Al-Awsat: "Had there not been something significant to discuss, the meeting would not have been held at Baabda."
Informed sources said the meeting was "positive".
The officials were in agreement that the current situation in the country demands the swift easing of tensions and the need to keep communications open in hopes of reaching a result soon, they told Asharq Al-Awsat.
There is a desire to call cabinet to meet soon, but no date for the session has been set yet, they added.
They speculated it may convene after Mikati returns from a visit to Rome later this week.
A presidency statement said the three officials discussed the general situation and latest developments in the country.
