Lebanese President Michel Aoun called on Monday for national dialogue on matters including a defense strategy which he said it was the state's responsibility alone to implement, Reuters reported.
Warning the state was "falling apart", Aoun called for urgent dialogue on a financial recovery plan, administrative and financial decentralization, and the defense strategy.
In a televised speech, Aoun also said he wanted the best ties with Gulf Arab states.
Aoun said: "I wish for the best relations with the Arab states, specifically the Gulf states. I ask: what is the justification for straining ties with these states and interfering in matters that do not concern us."
He also said it was imperative that the government convene after going more than two months without a meeting.
Hezbollah and its ally Amal want the judge leading the probe into the 2020 Beirut port explosion removed and have refused to allow cabinet to meet until the issue is on the agenda. Prime Minister Najib Mikati has said the issue falls outside cabinet's powers.
