Lebanon's pro-Syrian president said Saturday that he will not attend an Arab summit because of political turmoil in his country. President Emile Lahoud did not elaborate on his decision not to participate in Monday's summit in Algeria.

Lahoud said in a statement that Lebanon was experiencing "exceptional circumstances" that required "immediate and direct dialogue" between opposition and pro-government groups.

He also offered to host immediate talks between Lebanon's various political factions amid negotiations over the formation of a new government. Opposition legislator Fares Soeid dismissed the invite, saying: "It's too late. This subject is closed."