Jumblat meets with al-Jolani in Damascus
Druze leader Walid Jumblat and an accompanying delegation on Sunday met in Damascus with Syrian rebel leader-turned-interim political leader Abou Mohammad al-Jolani, who now prefers to be called by his real name Ahmad al-Sharaa.
"We salute the Syrian people over their major victories and we salute you over the battle that you staged to get rid of oppression and tyranny," Jumblat told al-Sharaa.
"The path is long and both you and us are suffering from Israeli expansionism and I will submit a memo about Lebanese-Syrian relations," Jumblat added.
He also hoped ties between the two countries will return to normal, calling for accountability and fair trials for those who committed crimes against the Lebanese and Syrian peoples.
Al-Sharaa for his part said the new Syria would not negatively interfere in Lebanon and would respect its neighbor's sovereignty.
Syria will not exert "negative interference in Lebanon at all -- it respects Lebanon's sovereignty, the unity of its territories, the independence of its decisions and its security stability," Sharaa told Walid and Taymour Jumblat.
22 December 2024, 15:29
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Shebaa, land and maritime border demarcation, expanded work permits for Syrians in Lebanon to help in rebuilding, economic complementarity, reduces tariff, special industrial zones, future Iraqi & Saudi pipeline via Syria and Lebanon to avoid Hormoz and Suez, future tunnels linking Beirut & Tripoli ports to Beqaa & Damascus & Homs, potential freight/passenger railroad link in addition to Tyr-Tripoli monorail, etc.; much to look forward as long as Syria moves toward democracy, women rights and equality for all citizens (Arab, EU & US aid conditions). Lebanon will also greatly benefit from Syrian tourists visiting from Europe on their way home. From undescribed pain unparallel greatness can be achieved!
