BEIRUT - Development and Liberation bloc MP Ali Hassan Khalil said that he welcomed President Michel Sleiman’s call for the national dialogue to commence on September 16. 

He said the Amal Movement would openly and responsibly enter into positive discussions regarding the preservation and defense of Lebanon from Israeli threats and from all who opposed its unity. 

Khalil said they would present their ideas regarding the national defense strategy, on the basis of a ministerial statement which states that the roles of the army, the public, and the Resistance should be integrated in order to confront Israeli threats.