PSP Jumblat Says Syrian Influence in Lebanon is Permissible, Warns of Sunni-Shiite Tension.

Following the formation of the government, MP Walid Jumblatt stressed once again what he had said earlier on, “I am part of the majority, but I differentiate myself from the March 14 forces.”

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.

Druze leader spoke of two major headlines out of the Taif Accord, i.e. the truce agreement and special relations with Syria. The Doha agreement has become a de facto document that has been imposed on the Taif Accord, Jumblatt said.

Jumblat told al-Akhbar daily in remarks published Wednesday, maybe Hariri's visit would help prepare for my visit," "Hariri's visit would help improve internal relations and limit confessional tension."

"Of course I have made up my mind to go to Damascus. However, what do 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. Nevertheless, he 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, "The problem is among Muslims, Sunnis and Shiites, and 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.


Article Source:tayyar.org