Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt emphasized that "what is required is to stop the bidding and the quibbling regarding the maritime borders and oil rights," urging an end to pointless maneuvers in this vital issue which should be approached with high responsibility, away from any form of tampering. Jumblatt stressed in an interview with "Al-Joumhouria" that "the framework agreement initiated by President Nabih Berri is the only appropriate reference for addressing our rights according to the requirements of Lebanese national interest, based on line 23," considering that "adhering to this agreement relieves us from all unnecessary interpretations."
Jumblatt rejected any attempts to create a "Marine Shebaa," adding: "We are in no need of a new Hitiq, embodied in 2022 by General Yassin." Regarding fears that the dispute over maritime borders and gas fields could escalate into war, he stated: "The decision of war is not in my hands nor yours... it is a matter greater than us."
On the domestic front, Jumblatt expressed astonishment at "the insistence on repeating the absurdity of discussing the identity of the new Prime Minister outside the provisions of the constitution," warning that "the delay in calling for binding parliamentary consultations to appoint the designated Prime Minister constitutes a clear violation of the constitution." When asked about the name he would suggest for forming the forthcoming government, he responded based on "the separation of powers": "The Democratic Gathering is the one that names, not me."
