 Opposition leader and Chouf MP Walid Jumblatt stressed the importance of the Taif Accord and the need to set up an economic and social program that would put an end to the current crisis gripping the country.
| Wally, the crisis gripping Lebanon at the moment isn't an economic or social crisis. It's a political crisis. Dump the Syrians and you can deal with your own problems as you will... |
Jumblatt also said that his visit to Europe aimed at speeding up the formation of a Cabinet, in cooperation with Saudi Arabia, France and UN envoy Terje Roed-Larsen. Jumblatt met with former Army Commander General Michel Aoun for the first time since the civil war at Aoun's residence in Paris. During the meeting, the two officials discussed the need to implement the Taif Accord, to hold the elections on schedule and to establish good relations with Syria. Addressing the journalists after the meeting, Aoun said he and Jumblatt had agreed the opposition should take part in the government in order to speed up the holding of the elections. The two officials also highlighted the need to hold the elections on time and to maintain good relations with Syria "after it completes its full withdrawal from Lebanon." Aoun further said he and Jumblatt had agreed that the issue of Hizbullah should be dealt with by Lebanese officials, without any foreign intervention. "I have informed Jumblatt that I am returning to Lebanon on May 7 and we have agreed to hold our second meeting in Beirut," Aoun added. |