PSP Reassures on Mt. Lebanon Stability amid Tensions

The Progressive Socialist Party has stressed that stability and security in the Chouf and Aley regions remain a "red line" despite the rising political tensions between PSP chief Walid Jumblat and his rivals.

"The escalatory stances aim to stir strife in Mount Lebanon, but had it not been for Jumblat's efforts and wisdom in preventing his party members and supporters from responding to provocations, we would have witnessed destabilization in Mt. Lebanon," a PSP source told Asharq al-Awsat newspaper in remarks published Sunday.

"Mt. Lebanon's security and stability are a red line and we in the PSP and the Democratic Gathering had demanded that security be exclusively controlled by the Lebanese Army and legitimate security forces," the source added.

"We, in turn, lift the cover off any person, should any incidents happen," the source went on to say, warning that some are trying to drag the PSP into a "strife demanded by Bashar al-Assad."

Tensions have surged in recent days after Jumblat's Druze rivals criticized him over his stances on the Syrian regime and the occupied Shebaa Farms.

The situation is also tense between Jumblat and Hizbullah in connection with the controversy over the cement factory in Ain Dara.