BEIRUT: President Michel Sleimen reiterated his call for national dialogue Friday after his last appeal went unanswered despite efforts by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

"Lebanon is in dire need of dialogue between its [people], particularly as this year the region and the world are passing through [difficult] circumstances,” Sleiman was quoted by his press office as saying.

Last year, Sleiman called on Lebanon’s rival political parties to relaunch the stalled national dialogue, but both the March 8 and March 14 coalitions set conditions for resuming the sessions. Berri seconded Sleiman’s calls for dialogue but to no avail.

On Friday, Sleiman met with Minister of State Ali Qanso and discussed ways to revive the Cabinet's work after Prime Minister Najib Mikati suspended Cabinet sessions over sharp differences with MP Michel Aoun's ministers.