The most significant event yesterday was the visit of Syrian Vice President Abdel Halim Khaddam to President René Moawad at around 4 pm. While Presidents Moawad and Franjieh were still in Mr. Karami’s house, Vice President Abdel Halim Khaddam, accompanied by Brigadier General Ghazi Kanaan and a military delegation, arrived. Khaddam patiently waited for the return of President Franjieh and Mr. Suleiman Tony Franjieh, after which he held a meeting with them. They reached a consensus and expressed their shared views. Khaddam affirmed his belief that the Lebanese government, under President Moawad’s leadership, would take the necessary steps to achieve national unity and regain control of every inch of Lebanese territory. He announced Syria’s commitment to providing all requested assistance to the Government of National Accord in extending its authority throughout Lebanon. Khaddam stressed that no one, regardless of their unreasonable stance, would impede the reconciliation process. Those who have undermined the unity of the country and sabotaged the reconciliation and unity efforts will be bypassed. He acknowledged that certain parties or individuals might be affected by peace and reconciliation, but the will of the people and the desire for peace will overcome all obstacles.
Khaddam later proceeded to President Moawad’s residence in Ehden, where he congratulated him on his election and engaged in a lengthy meeting with him. After the meeting, which included dinner and lasted until 11 pm, Khaddam expressed his pleasure in meeting President René Moawad, an old friend with whom he shares a long-standing friendship. President Hafez Al-Assad extended his congratulations to Moawad on his presidency. They held extensive discussions on implementing the National Accord Document and transitioning Lebanon from a state of war, destruction, chaos, and division to one of security, peace, and national unity. Khaddam was pleased to find that President Moawad had a clear vision for national salvation and a strong determination to succeed in achieving national reconciliation and moving the country towards peace. Khaddam assured Moawad that Syria would stand with the new era and support Lebanon to the best of its ability, emphasizing the necessity of collective efforts for success. When asked about the Arab and international support for Lebanon, Khaddam confirmed that both Arab countries and international public opinion firmly stood with the national reconciliation led by President Moawad, and this support would continue. He believed that those attempting to disrupt the reconciliation process would ultimately be overshadowed by the overwhelming support and the course of history.
In response to the question regarding the swift implementation of the steps agreed upon in Taif, Khaddam expressed optimism, stating that all the Lebanese parties they have been in contact with, including the parliamentary members of the Brotherhood, demonstrated determination and a challenge to ensure implementation. He assured that no time would be wasted and every minute would be invested to bring an end to the tragedy and suffering that must be eradicated permanently. Regarding General Aoun’s renewed escalation and refusal to recognize the new era, Khaddam avoided mentioning him by name, emphasizing that the reconciliation achieved among the Lebanese could not be disrupted. He dismissed Aoun’s claim to legitimacy, considering it a mere ploy of those who have aligned themselves with Lebanon’s enemies and pursued destructive ambitions driven by personal interests. Khaddam firmly believed that no one, including Michel Aoun, would be able to obstruct the reconciliation process. He instilled confidence in the Lebanese government formed by President Moawad, stating that it would take the necessary measures to assert its control, and Aoun or anyone else would not be able to counter these decisions.
He was asked: Are you optimistic about a swift resolution to the impasse? He replied: God willing. He was asked: Did you discuss the issue of forming a government? He replied: That matter falls under the jurisdiction of President Moawad, his associates, deputies, and political figures.
Following the meeting, Khaddam proceeded to President Franjieh’s palace in Zgharta, where he stayed overnight. It is worth noting that Mr. Suleiman Tony Franjieh attended the initial round of the meeting between President Moawad and Mr. Khaddam.
President Moawad is expected to reciprocate Mr. Khaddam’s visit by traveling to Damascus for a meeting with Syrian President Hafez Al-Assad next week.