Lebanon PM, opposition leader meet
Lebanese opposition leader Walid Jumblatt has paid a surprise visit to Lebanon’s premier-designate Umar Karami in an attempt to bridge the gap between the government and the opposition.
The two on Wednesday discussed the May elections and the feasibility of forming a new government as soon as possible.
Aljazeera’s correspondent in Beirut, Abbas Nasir, said Jumblatt, head of the Progressive Socialist Party, conveyed a message that there was a possibility of reaching a settlement with the opposition by endorsing a new elections law based on the Taif Accord.
Jumblatt said elections should be held as scheduled, based on the accord, Nasir said.
“I think the Taif Accord is the best framework for all, the government and the opposition,” Jumblatt said after the meeting.
Taif framework
The Druze leader added: “Maintaining the essence of Taif and refusing the hidden intentions of UN Security Council Resolution 1559 are the best solutions to defend our national choice.”
Karami praised Jumblatt for seeking an end to the political tension that has pervaded Lebanon since the 14 February assassination of former premier Rafiq al-Hariri.
“We, the government, and all honest Lebanese people feel that Lebanon’s sovereignty and honour would be violated as far as there is foreign interference in our own internal affairs,” Karami said.