BEIRUT, Lebanon: Lebanon’s Higher Shiite Council said Wednesday the formation of a national unity government would be the "right introduction" to a lasting solution to the current political deadlock.

The council stressed the need to resume dialogue, which it said would lead to "real reconciliation" among the Lebanese.

In a statement, the council said: "The solution [to the current crisis] should start with the creation of a national unity government that ensures a true partnership [among all political parties] on political, economic and social levels."

The statement said that such a government would have the authority to resolve the current economic crisis.

"A national unity government would be powerful and capable of serving the country's interests and supporting the Paris III donor conference [which is to be held on January 25]" it said.

It also stressed the "dire" need to resume national talks and refrain from the "monopolization" of power in order to restore a confidence "which had been lost among the Lebanese."

"Dialogue is the best means of resolving the country's problems," the council said.

It said all Lebanese "are eager to reveal the truth behind the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri through the creation of an international tribunal which has their agreement over all its articles."

The council said an accord among the Lebanese "depends on rejecting all kinds of foreign tutelage and interference" in the country's internal affairs.

"Foreign meddling in Lebanon's affairs contributes to deepening differences among the Lebanese," it said.

Highlighting the "necessary" role of religious figures in preventing sectarian strife, it urged an "activation of dialogue and an easing of tension."

"The conflict in Lebanon is political and should not be given any sectarian or religious make-up," the statement said.