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Saudi support shores up talks in Lebanon

Saudi Arabia is overwhelmed with risks on several fronts, which might explain its efforts to promote a Sunni-Shiite and a Christian-Christian dialogue in Lebanon and bring its ally Saad Hariri back to the table.
An empty chair representing the Lebanese president is pictured at the opening of the Beiteddine International Festival in Beiteddine, Mount Lebanon, June 26, 2014. The annual entertainment festival takes place in the Ottoman Ruins of the Beiteddine Palace. Lebanese parliamentarians have not elected a new president since former President Michel Suleiman's term ended.   REUTERS/Sharif Karim (LEBANON - Tags: POLITICS ENTERTAINMENT) - RTR3VYUF
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By the end of 2014, 221 days will have passed in Lebanon without an elected president of the republic. Half a year has passed without any elections to fill the position of head of state and the symbol of national unity, as specified in the Lebanese Constitution.

However, Lebanon seems to be heading toward solutions to its crises, with two dialogues in Beirut apparently linked to Saudi Arabia’s intention to reach a settlement in Lebanon.

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