Thirteen years later, former Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) leader Walid Jumblatt made a landmark visit to Damascus, leading a delegation from the "Democratic Gathering" parliamentary bloc. He was accompanied by Sheikh Sami Abi al-Muna, Sheikh Aql of the Druze community, and other Druze elders, to meet with Ahmad al-Sharaa, the General Commander of the Syrian Administration. Jumblatt's visit marked the first by a Lebanese official to Syria following the fall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Sheikh Sami Abi al-Muna proposed a unifying initiative during the meeting, which was broadcast live on national TV. "I take the liberty of proposing the idea of holding a spiritual summit that brings together religious leaders from both countries to promote a sense of reassurance and unity. The people of Syria deserve peace and prosperity because Syria is the beating heart of Arabism," he said.
Jumblatt, in his address, announced that he had submitted a memorandum on behalf of the "Democratic Gathering" regarding Lebanese-Syrian relations.
"We hope that Lebanese-Syrian relations will return to their natural course through diplomatic channels," he said. "We also hope that all those who committed crimes against the Lebanese people will be held accountable and that fair trials will be established for those who committed crimes against the Syrian people." He added, "Some detention centers should be preserved as museums for history, to serve as a reminder of past atrocities."
"We salute the Syrian people for their great victories, and we salute you for the battle you fought to rid yourselves of oppression and tyranny," Jumblatt stated. "The road ahead is long, and we, like you, suffer from Israeli expansionism."
In addressing territorial disputes, Jumblatt reaffirmed his stance that the Shebaa Farms are Syrian. He explained that they fall under the jurisdiction of UN Security Council Resolution 242, which requires Israel to withdraw from territories it occupied during the 1967 war, including the Syrian Golan Heights. Jumblatt noted, however, that if border demarcation efforts between Lebanon and Syria later determine that the Shebaa Farms are Lebanese, he would accept that decision.
The issue of Lebanese detainees held in Syrian prisons was also raised during the discussions. Ahmad al-Sharaa requested that the Lebanese government provide a list of names of those believed to be detained in Syria, so his administration could follow up on the matter.
Ahmad al-Sharaa, in his speech, acknowledged the Syrian regime's role in assassinations, including those of Bashir Gemayel, Kamal Jumblatt, and Rafic Hariri. He also criticized the former Syrian regime for its negative interference in Lebanese affairs and its alliance with Iranian militias, which deepened divisions among Syrians.
"Syria was a source of concern and disturbance, and its interference in Lebanese affairs was negative. The previous regime worked with Iranian militias to sow division among the Syrians," he said.
"Our battle saved the region from a major regional war and possibly a world war," Al-Sharaa asserted, underscoring the significance of recent developments for both nations.
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