Title: MP Jumblatt: The Historical Relationship with Berri Continues

In a visit that marks the first of its kind after his election as president of the Progressive Socialist Party, and following the divergence that occurred after the session on June 14 for the election of a president, MP Taymour Jumblatt visited the second presidency headquarters in Ain al-Tineh where he met with President Nabih Berri. After the meeting, MP Jumblatt stated: "We are with President Nabih Berri in a historical and national relationship that started with Walid Jumblatt and, God willing, we will continue it. It is a relationship based on honesty and respect despite some differences, such as in the presidency, but this relationship will continue, especially regarding the presidential issue and, as President Berri previously said, the basis is dialogue. We are with him on this matter." The "Democratic Gathering" bloc included MPs Akram Chehayeb, Wael Abu Faour, Hadi Abu al-Hassan, and the advisor to the president of the Socialist Party, Hussam Harb, in the presence of the political aide to the Speaker of Parliament, MP Ali Hassan Khalil. A delegation from the Amal Movement had visited the Socialist Party on the fourth of this month to affirm the strong relationship between the two parties and the continuation of communication and cooperation in various fields. On another note, Berri received Nikolai Platonikov, head of the Information and Analysis Department at the Institute of Oriental Studies affiliated with the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow, along with his accompanying delegation, in the presence of the Russian ambassador to Lebanon, Alexander Rudakov, where the current situation in Lebanon and the region was discussed.