Lebanese leaders began a session of national dialogue on Tuesday, hoping to mend the deep divisions that have recently pushed the country to the brink of civil war.

President Michel Suleiman headed the dialogue among leaders of the various political factions.

The conference comes after an interruption of 26 months which were marred by turmoil and factional clashes.

Among the participants are Prime Minister Fouad Seniora, head of the ruling majority leader Saad Hariri, Parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri, Phalange Party leader Amin Gemayel, Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun, Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt and the head of Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc Mohammed Raad, as well as Christian Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea.