Independence Movement leader Michel Moawad urged Saturday Lebanese factions to engage in dialogue in a bid to bridge the widening gap between rival political parties.

Moawad made his remarks following a meeting with Marada Movement Chief Sleiman Franjieh in Bneshi.

“My visit to the residence of MP Suleiman Franjieh is part of a series of meetings with Christian political leaders and an opportunity for dialogue…and though we don’t share the same approach toward a number of issues and disagree over several topics, we are determined to mend and strengthen bilateral ties,” Moawad said.

Moawad said he discussed with Franjieh the latest domestic and regional political challenges, stressing that all parties have an interest in preserving stability and strengthening the role of state institutions to avoid dragging Lebanon into regional conflicts.

“All parties should be aware that no one has an interest in dragging the country into chaos amid the ongoing regional conflict and the decay in Lebanese state institutions. Our duty is to elect a president and breathe life into state institutions to revive our economy,” Moawad said.