From Syria, Jumblatt rejects proposals for int'l protection, secession
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In his second visit to Syria, Walid Jumblatt met with interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa to discuss reconciliation, recent clashes, and the Druze community's role in Syria.
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Former head of the SSNP Walid Jumblatt shakes hands with the Interim President of Syria, Ahmad al-Sharaa, during their meeting at the People's Palace, Damascus, Syria (X/@SyPresidency)
Walid Jumblatt, former head of Lebanon’s Progressive Socialist Party, visited Damascus on Friday for talks with Syrian Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, marking the Lebanese official's second visit to Syria since the collapse of the previous regime.
The meeting, described by local media as warm and candid, focused on recent security developments and broader regional dynamics.
Jumblatt condemned the recent clashes in Jaramana and Sahnaya, which resulted in casualties and heightened tension, and both leaders expressed concern over the violence, stressing the responsibility of the Syrian government to maintain public safety and protect its citizens.
During the meeting, Jumblatt firmly rejected any proposals for international protection or secession. Instead, he called for the establishment of an impartial investigative committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the incidents in Jaramana and Sahnaya.
He also praised the Syrian leadership’s ongoing efforts to promote national reconciliation. Jumblatt underscored the importance of integrating all communities into public life, particularly the Druze, encouraging active participation in government institutions as a means to strengthen Syria's internal unity.
The meeting was held at the People’s Palace and attended by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani.
No statement to the press
According to Lebanon’s National News Agency, Jumblatt departed Damascus without making any statements to the press; however, the Progressive Socialist Party later issued a statement clarifying the content of his discussions with al-Sharaa.
The party noted that Jumblatt expressed support for the increasing Arab and international engagement with Syria’s new leadership, emphasizing that this openness contributes to regional stability and, by extension, reinforces Lebanon’s own security and cohesion.
Ahmad al-Sharaa acknowledged the historic contributions of the Druze community in Syria, particularly during key periods of national transformation. He expressed appreciation for their role in shaping the country’s future and welcomed Jumblatt’s continued involvement in regional dialogue.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Jumblatt thanked al-Sharaa for the recent arrest of Ibrahim al-Huwaiji, the man accused of assassinating Lebanese political leader Kamal Jumblatt. The arrest, described by Lebanese sources as a significant development, also linked al-Huwaiji to a series of other criminal acts.
