Naharnet is reporting on talks between Lebanese factions being hosted by President Nicolas Sarkozy's government outside of Paris:

Lebanon's political factions including the pro-Syrian opposition Hizbullah on Saturday began two days of talks in France to try ease the deadlock paralyzing the nation. The talks at the chateau of La Celle Saint Cloud, on the western fringe of Paris, opened as Lebanese government troops were locked in fierce fighting with Islamists around a Palestinian refugee camp in northern Lebanon. Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner opened the meeting between leaders of the 14 political groups including members of the pro-western government of Prime Minister Fouad Saniora. France hopes to encourage the Lebanese leaders to renew a dialogue that was shattered during the conflict with Israel last year and the resignation in November of opposition ministers. The meeting will focus on the theme of "strengthening the Lebanese state", eight months after six pro-Syrian ministers quit the cabinet, triggering the worst crisis since the end of the 1975-1990 civil war. Fears are running high that the situation could deteriorate further if no deal is struck before the election by parliament in late September of a successor to pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud. "There is an urgent need for a dialogue between the various political players in Lebanon and France is able to facilitate this dialogue," Lebanese Foreign Minister Tarek Mitri said from Beirut.