The deputy from the "Free Patriotic Movement," Ghassan Atallah, met with the leader of the "Progressive Socialist Party," Walid Jumblatt, in a visit characterized as having "touristic aspects with political dimensions," despite both parties confirming that political issues were not directly discussed. Sources from the "Socialist Party" informed "Asharq Al-Awsat" that Atallah requested the meeting, and Jumblatt welcomed it, as the deputy from the "Movement" carried a message emphasizing the importance of calming tensions in Shouf to ensure a smooth tourism season, away from political strain.
The sources indicated that Jumblatt also confirmed this matter, stating: "For us, this is a given, and a reaffirmation of what we have always advocated, with our constant call and concern for preserving the reconciliation in the mountain at all times, not just during the tourism season."
For its part, sources close to the "Movement" told "Asharq Al-Awsat" that the meeting was initiated by a religious figure who urged Atallah to break the ice and ease tensions with the "Socialist Party," particularly following the unprecedented verbal escalation that followed the mountain incident (gunfire and confrontations with "Progressive" supporters during a visit by "Movement" leader Gebran Bassil to Shouf in 2019). Thus, there was a welcoming response from the deputy of the "Movement," who returned to his political reference that also welcomed the meeting after the positive signal from the "Socialist."
While the meeting predominantly focused on tourism discussions, sources noted that political dimensions were not absent, highlighting that an agreement was reached to hold a second meeting next week. These sources see the meeting as a potential precursor to establishing a political rapprochement at this stage, where critical and significant matters are at hand.
However, the "Asharq Al-Awsat" learned that during the meeting, the leader of the "Socialist" sent signals indicating that, regarding major issues, such as presidential elections and border demarcation, smaller parliamentary blocs would not have a significant impact, in an attempt to thwart any efforts by the "Free Patriotic Movement" to raise political issues.
