'Right to resistance' clause holds up policy statement.

Byline: Elias Sakr

Summary: The debate between March 14 Christian parties and the opposition over mention Aain the ministerial statement of Lebanon's right to resist in order to liberate occupied territories Aa delayed the conclusion of Cabinet's policy statement, with the committee tasked with formulating the document expected to resume its deliberations on Wednesday.

BEIRUT: The debate between March 14 Christian parties and the opposition over mention Aain the ministerial statement of Lebanon's right to resist in order to liberate occupied territories Aa delayed the conclusion of Cabinet's policy statement, with the committee tasked with formulating the document expected to resume its deliberations on Wednesday.Aa

Well-informed sources told The Daily Star that Prime Minister Saad Hariri would conduct discussions with his allies in the March 14 coalition, including Phalange Party head Amin Gemayel and Lebanese Forces (LF) leader Samir Geagea, in an attempt to convince them to refrain from expressing their reservations on the statement.Aa

The LF and the Phalange Party demand that the statement restrict the decision of war to the Lebanese state while opposition groups insist on mentioning Lebanon's right to resistance in the statement.Aa

The LF and Phalange ministers along with Labor Minister Butros Harb are expected to note their reservations on the article concerning the resistance while other groups have voiced support to the adoption of that of the previous cabinet.Aa

Prior to the committee's meeting, Hariri said he was pursuing his efforts to reach a united stance between all political parties regarding the ministerial statement while stressing that it would be concise with a special emphasis on economic policies "that matter most to people."Aa

"Matters are progressing in a positive atmosphere given the ongoing dialogue," Hariri said, adding that "discussions concerning the defense strategy should not be taken lightly since it is a big project on its own."Aa

Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) leader MP Walid Jumblatt said he held to the principles upon which the previous ministerial statement was formulated, stressing the need to commit to international resolutions as well as Lebanon's right to liberate its occupied territories and defend itself against Israeli aggressions.Aa

Following his meeting with Speaker Nabih Berri in Ain al-Tineh, Jumblatt added that the ministerial statement was almost finalized, and stressed that controversial issues should be tackled during national dialogue sessions.Aa

"Whoever wants to express his reservations about the statement let him do so," Jumblatt said, a reference to March 14 Christian parties ministers.Aa

The committee is to discuss Wednesday every ministry's agenda in detail, said Information Minister Tarik Mitri.Aa

The Future Movement bloc, whose meeting Tuesday was presided over by former Premier Fouad Siniora, voiced hope for the quick conclusion of the ministerial statement to enable the Cabinet to undertake pressing developmental projects.Aa

In other news, Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) leader MP Michel Aoun is scheduled to meet with Jumblatt Wednesday at Baabda Presidential Palace in an effort to strengthen national unity in Mount Lebanon, officials from both parties told The Daily Star.Aa

The talks sponsored by President Michel Sleiman follow a meeting last week between Jumblatt and Marada Movement leader MP Sleiman Franjieh of the opposition.Aa

Press reports indicate that Sleiman is also expected to bring together Geagea and Franjieh.

Following the conclusion of the June 7 elections, Jumblatt adopted a more centrist position, expressing more openness toward opposition groups after he announced his withdrawal from the March 14 coalition.Aa

Sleiman said on the eve of Impendence Day the talks constituted a forum for dialogue among parties rather than reconciliations.Aa

FPM official and former Social Affairs Minister Mario Aoun told The Daily Star that during the meeting Michel Aoun would tackle Aathe issue of the displaced from the Chouf region in order to secure everyone's return.Aa

"Aoun seeks to strengthen national coexistence in the mountains region so as to abolish any type of fear in the Christian community on all social, political and developmental levels," he said.Aa

He added that both leaders had agreed to have the meeting without imposing pre-conditions as the FPM leader stressed that the meeting's goal should not be political propaganda.Aa

"The meeting could lead to the formation of a joint committee to follow up on the issue of the displaced as well as become a step forward to rapprochement in political views following tense relations between both parties," Aoun said.Aa

PSP spokesman Rami Rayess told The Daily Star the meeting was part of the reconciliatory atmosphere reigning in the country and aimed to support the president's efforts in abolishing political "bunkers" between all parties to facilitate the Cabinet's work.

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