BEIRUT, Lebanon -- Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri here Tuesday uncovered an initiative to resolve the Lebanese political standoff, including ongoing opposition sit-in in central Beirut.

The initiative was uncovered by Berri during a news conference in his house in Ein Tina in Beirut, saying that it was intended to create reconciliation between him and MP Saad Al-Hariri, head of the Future Bloc in Lebanese parliament.

Under the reconciliatory initiative, opposition forces would approve an international tribunal for former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri assassination case following discussions involving four pro and anti-tribunal figurers. Afterwards, ministerial portfolios are to be distributed.

Once the trial issue is settled, ministerial portfolios are to be distributed on the basis of 19 to the governmental camp and 11 to the opposition camp, he said.

Then, the two proposals bearing on the tribunal and government would be sent to 14 Lebanese leaders in Saudi Arabia for signing under the sponsorship of Saudi King Abdullan bin Abdul-Aziz.

The intended 14 Lebanese leaders are Nabih Berri, Fouad Siniora, Amin Gemayel, Michel Aoun,  Hassan Nasrallah or a delegate, Saad Hariri, Walid Jumblat,  Michel Murr, Ghassan Tueni, Samir Geagea, Elie Skaff, Mohammad Safadi, Butros Harb and Hagop Pakradonian.

"Once this happens, the sit-in in central Beirut will be over," Berri added.

The draft tribunal, in its new formula, will then be sent to the House of Representatives for further deliberations and approval. Afterwards, it will be referred to the prime minister for signing and then finally to the UN.

The Lebanese parliament speaker also said to the news conference "The current crisis can be resolved only through dialogue. But, if dialogue fails, we will move from one street to another", referring to possible larger opposition moves.

Saudi envoy hails initiative

Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Abdul-Aziz Khoja hailed a reconciliatory initiative unveiled by Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri for a settlement to the Lebanese political standoff.

"Berri has dotted the i's and crossed the t's," Khoja told reporters here Tuesday, commenting on Berri's initiative.

"What has been stated by the speaker Berri is responsible talk. He has illustrated all matters, showing willingness to have dialogue out of his belief that dialogue is the sole way to salvage the country," he added. -Agencies