Jumblat is Not Worried About U.S.-Syrian Dialogue
Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat said he is not worried about U.S. efforts to repair relations with Syria and urged Lebanese politicians to adopt calm rhetoric.
"We have no fear from U.S.-Syrian relations … like some people do," Jumblat told As Safir newspaper in remarks published Saturday.
President Barack Obama is sending to Syria the State Department”s top envoy on the Middle East, Jeffrey Feltman and White House official Daniel Shapiro to evaluate the chances of opening a dialogue with the country, which former President George Bush had sought to isolate.
That makes some politicians in Lebanon wary.
"We engaged in dialogue (with Syria) before and this dialogue resulted in diplomatic relations between Lebanon and Syria," Jumblat said.
"This issue and that of border demarcation require follow-up. The issue of Palestinian arms will also be a preliminary item" on the agenda of national dialogue, the Druze leader told As Safir.
"As for Hizbullah arms, there is no rush. (The issue) could be discussed under favorable circumstances," Jumblat said.
He reiterated that calm ahead of elections is necessary.
"I stress on calm rhetoric. Such rhetoric will help holding the elections" under peaceful conditions, the PSP leader said.
"Do we want elections or not? If we want elections, we have to pave the way for them through consolidating a calm atmosphere. This is what I am seeking for," Jumblat added.