Yesterday, Syrian Vice President Abdel Halim Khaddam made a rare visit to Mukhtara in Mount Lebanon, becoming the first senior Syrian official to do so in 21 years. During his meeting with Walid Jumblatt, the leader of the Progressive Socialist Party, Khaddam criticized the conditions set by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon for his country’s participation in the International Peace Conference, and stressed the impossibility of achieving peace with Sharon. Syrian Foreign Minister Farooq al-Shara also noted that the current time and climate are not suitable for peace. Khaddam commended Jumblatt for his instrumental role in dropping the Lebanese-Israeli agreement on May 17, 1982, which would have restricted Lebanon and dealt a significant blow to Syria and the Arab nation as a whole. Upon his arrival in Mukhtara, accompanied by a high-level Syrian delegation at Jumblatt’s invitation, Khaddam emphasized the importance of maintaining Syria’s national approach and adhering to its principles and policies.
During Syrian Vice President Abdel Halim Khaddam’s visit to Al-Mukhtara, Walid Jumblatt emphasized the strong relationship between his party and Syria. Khaddam spoke about the regional situation, highlighting that the conditions set by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon for Syria to join the peace conference were unacceptable. Khaddam expressed that such policies indicate that peace is impossible. He emphasized that Syria’s future approach is national, adhering to its principles and clear policies. The vice president stressed that the current situation in Palestine not only affects the Palestinian people but all Arabs, as it undermines their ability to survive. Khaddam encouraged Arab unity to support the Intifada, emphasizing that steadfastness is crucial in repeating history. Despite the difficult conditions, Khaddam noted that the enemy’s conditions are even more challenging, and the international situation will not remain the same.
