Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt affirmed his political positions regarding Lebanese issues, especially the presidential election, during a meeting with the newly appointed Iranian ambassador in Beirut, Mojtaba Amani, who visited him at his residence in Clemenceau the evening before last.
While the statement released following the meeting indicated that both parties "discussed various general situations," sources close to Jumblatt's party noted that the newly appointed ambassador "requested an appointment with the party leader, and it is natural for Jumblatt to receive him out of courtesy, protocol, and his firm belief in dialogue with everyone." They emphasized that the meeting was introductory "characterized by transparency, covering general topics in addition to the Lebanese affairs."
Sources told "Asharq Al-Awsat" that Jumblatt has not closed the door to dialogue with anyone, "and he is keen to convey his publicly stated views on various issues, from the maritime border demarcation file with Israel to the presidential issue, advocating that as long as the matter is kept away from regional conflicts, it allows the Lebanese to choose a president who does not provoke any party."
The sources stressed that the Iranian ambassador "discussed generalities of the file without going into details and heard the party leader's positions that do not deviate from his constants on various files." Sources following the political communications of the "Progressive Socialist Party" denied any negotiations regarding other names at this time, stating that "negotiations with others on the election take place after the others define their options."
