Jumblat Says Syrian Influence in Lebanon is Permissible, Warns of Sunni-Shiite Tension
Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat has said he has taken his decision to go to Damascus but such a visit depends on Premier Saad Hariri”s travel to the Syrian capital first.
"Maybe Hariri”s visit would help prepare for my visit," Jumblat told al-Akhbar daily in remarks published Wednesday. "Hariri”s visit would help (improve) internal relations and limit confessional tension."
"Of course I have made up my mind to go to Damascus. But what do they (the Syrians) want? When Hariri comes back I would see the proper means to deal with this issue," the Druze leader said.
Given Lebanon”s geographic location, he said "Syria”s influence in Lebanon is permissible but within (the country”s) independence and sovereignty."
Jumblat said the cabinet policy statement should center around three major topics: Respect for international resolutions, the right for resistance until liberation of occupied land and the armistice agreement with Israel.
"The agreement was a right decision," he said. But stressed that the cabinet should depend on "smart" ministers to write the policy statement on what the Lebanese have agreed on, including special relations with Syria.
Turning to Hizbullah”s arms, Jumblat said the issue would be discussed on the national dialogue table when conditions are ripe. "But the importance of these weapons is becoming clearer by the day amid Israeli threats," the PSP leader told al-Akhbar.
Jumblat reiterated that he is still part of the parliamentary majority but "distinguishes" himself from the March 14 forces.
He stressed that the real problem in Lebanon is not between the March 8 and 14 forces. "The problem is among Muslims – Sunnis and Shiites – it is not between Muslims and Christians."
Jumblat also told al-Akhbar that the Shiite-Druze tension has been reduced after he worked hard to limit the repercussions of the May 7 events.