BEIRUT, Lebanon, June 18 (UPI) -- Lebanese politicians wrangled over the issue of Hezbollah's weapons, postponing a measure on the matter until August, the Lebanese government said.
Talks in Beirut began in 2008 in an effort to reconcile differences between the various political sects in Lebanon. Political feuding in Lebanon nearly pushed the country into civil war in 2008 when Hezbollah fighters fought with government loyalists.
Farid Makari, the deputy speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, called on lawmakers to develop a timeline to establish a process that would put Hezbollah's arsenal under the control of the Lebanese military, Lebanon's Daily Star newspaper reports.
Lawmakers in Beirut are divided over Hezbollah's weapons. Advocates say an armed resistance movement is needed to deter Israel, while opponents argue Israel would stand down if Hezbollah disarmed.
Mohommad Raad, a lawmaker in Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc, said lawmakers should find common ground on the national defense strategy.
A statement from the office of Lebanese President Michel Suleiman said the issue would be discussed again in August.
"The dialogue committee continued talks on a defense strategy and agreed on Aug. 19 as the date for the next session," the statement read.
