Head of PSP Timour Jomblatt recieves guests, September 2, 2023. (Credit: NNA)
BEIRUT — The head of the Socialist Progressive Movement (PSP) Taymour Joumblatt on Saturday expressed his support for "meaningful dialogue amid [the] current political deadlock."
Joumblatt's statements come days after Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri pledged to hold open electoral sessions in Parliament, preceded by a seven day extended dialogue session bringing together the heads of the various parliamentary blocs.
Lebanon has been without a president since Oct. 31, 2022, when Michel Aoun's term ended.
''PSP and the Democratic Gathering block always call for meaningful dialogue, amid the current political deadlock,” stated Joumblatt.
Joumblatt expressed his welcome for the upcoming visit of the Maronite Patriarch, Bechara al-Rai, to the "mountains next Friday" to "consecrate the fruits of reconciliation and build on its achievement.” He said he hopes "the logic of settlement and reconciliation will prevail in all our national issues."
The ''mountain'' area south of Beirut that Joumblatt referred to is a known PSP stronghold. It was a battle ground for Druze PSP and Christian Lebanese Forces fighters during the Lebanese Civil War. Reconciliation between the different factions in the area was sealed in August 2001, with a celebration and visit from then-Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir to Mukhtara, where the Joumblatt's palace is located.