BEIRUT – Lebanon's political leaders have delayed from Thursday to Monday a fourth round of talks to formulate a national defence strategy that will tackle the thorny issue of Hezbollah's weapons, a government official told AFP.

"The talks scheduled for Thursday have been postponed for technical reasons given that the political leadership was busy with this week's summit in Doha and the weekly cabinet meeting," an official at the presidential palace said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The national dialogue organized by President Michel Sleiman is being attended by 14 leaders representing each of the main parliamentary blocs.

It is aimed at resolving lingering disputes between the country's rival pro- and anti-Syrian parties.

A major stumbling block in agreeing on a defence strategy has been Hezbollah's weapons, an issue highlighted last May when the Shiite group staged a spectacular takeover of mainly Sunni parts of west Beirut.

Hezbollah has rejected calls to disarm, arguing that its weapons and militia are essential to defend the country against neighbouring Israel.

Members of the Western-backed parliamentary majority say Hezbollah's weapons undermine the authority of the state, which should be the sole decision-maker on matters of defence. -AFP