House Speaker Nabih Berri received at Ain al-Tineh this evening, former head of the Progressive Socialist Party and former MP Walid Jumblatt, where they discussed the general situation and the latest security and political developments in the country.

Following their half-hour meeting, Jumblatt said: ‘After a period of not seeing Speaker Berri as a result of some personal circumstances, I wished to visit him…and this is a normal visit to a friend and ally with whom I share a mutual struggle…We had a general tour d’horizon, no more, no less…”

Jumblatt continued: “We spoke about everything, about the weather, politics, and the positive signs, namely what will happen at the end of the month or next month regarding the issue of drilling in the south, about the Lebanese wealth, and this is thanks to the great efforts made by Speaker Berri, despite the obstacles that were placed before him and the Lebanese…This is good news, and as I also understood, finally the sovereign fund will appear for all the Lebanese, and this is very important.”

Touching on the security issue and what happened in Ain al-Hilweh camp and the statements issued by the embassies, Jumblatt said: “Both Speaker Berri and I did not understand why this concern in the embassies’ statements…It seems that there are things we are not aware of…but regarding the issue of the Ain al-Hilweh camp, matters seem to be controlled to some extent, and the Palestinian and Lebanese efforts may lead to a solution.”

Asked about his relationship with Speaker Berri and their separation over the presidential issue, Jumblatt said: “I did not separate from Speaker Berri…Is it required that I talk about the shared history, which is ten years old? Must I talk about overthrowing May 17, which is a national and patriotic achievement we are proud of…?’

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon