| Progressive Socialist Party President Walid Jumblatt plans to propose a national referendum on Syriaâs presence in Lebanon, the first move of its kind since the late President Hafez Assad sent in his army in 1976, An-Nahar reported Tuesday. The Druze leader revealed his intention in a taped interview with BBCâs Tim Sebastian in London, where Jumblatt is visiting. The segment is scheduled for airing on Sebastianâs âHard Talkâ show next Monday, An-Nahar said. The issue came up during a dialogue over Syriaâs presence. Sebastian asked Jumblat to explain his statements two years ago supporting Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Nasrallah Butros Sfeirâs demand for an outright withdrawal of the Syrian army from Lebanon. âI did not second the patriarchâs demand for the withdrawal of the Syrian army from Lebanon,â Jumblatt responded. âI said the Syrians should not interfere in all aspects of the Lebanese political life.â Jumblatt then said, âLetâs hold a referendum, letâs do it.â |