PSP Dismisses Deterioration of Jumblat-Hizbullah Ties
The Progressive Socialist Party is shrugging off reports and rumors about deterioration in the relations between PSP chief Walid Jumblat and Hizbullah over his remarks on the Shiite party’s weapons.
Ministers Ghazi Aridi and Wael Abou Faour, who are loyal to Jumblat, stressed before a cabinet session held on Wednesday that ties between the Druze chief and Hizbullah officials are “good,” An Nahar daily reported.
They said that al-Manar TV station’s criticism of Jumblat does not reflect the stance of Hizbullah and its officials, who are “in continued contact” with him.
Jumblat has rejected statements made by Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi who has allegedly linked the fate of Hizbullah’s arms to the liberation of remaining Israeli-occupied Lebanese territories.
The PSP chief’s remarks drew the criticism of Hizbullah’s mouthpiece which accused Jumblat of changing his stances.
Aridi said on Wednesday that he held talks with a top official from the Shiite party. The meeting didn’t reflect any deterioration in the ties with Jumblat, he hinted, according to An Nahar.
Abou Faour also hinted that a telephone conversation was held between Jumblat and Hizbullah MP Mohammed Raad to clarify his position.
Meanwhile, the PSP chief travelled to France on Wednesday on a private visit.
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