The relationship between Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri and head of the Progressive Socialist Party Walid Jumblatt seems to be recovering following disputes that have reached a war of words in the media and exchanged of accusations.
A meeting held between the two men early this week at Hariri’s residence in the Central House prospered to eliminate confusion that marked their relationship during and after the May 6 parliamentary elections.
The first signs of the recovery manifested when the Democratic Gathering parliamentary bloc headed by Jumblatt’s son Timur, named Hariri to head the upcoming cabinet, during the binding consultations with President Michel Aoun this week.
However, a new political alliance between the two camps remains linked to the lineup of a new cabinet and the shares which Jumblatt will receive, in addition to the position of each party in the new parliament.
In all cases, both parties are working to build on the positive meeting held this week between the two leaders.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, member of the Future Movement politburo and former deputy Mustafa Alloush said Hariri is keen on maintaining a good relationship with Jumblatt, who had a historic relationship with late PM Rafik Hariri.
Also, PSP spokesman Rami al-Rayyes told Asharq Al-Awsat that the alliance between his party and the Mustaqbal goes back to the term of Rafik Hariri. “This alliance proved strong on several occasions,” he said.
According to Rayyes, a dispute emerging between the two sides from time to time is normal. “There is a new phase in dealing with each other,” he said, calling on all parties to protect the Taef Accord, which defends the sensitive balance in the country.
Following the parliamentary elections, a dispute reached its peak between Jumblatt and Hariri particularly after the Druze leader commented on a victory gathering held by the PM to celebrate his winning of the elections.
“It's strange that some of the losers of the elections are claiming victory, while others are creating some sort of media hype instead of respecting the law," Jumblatt wrote.
