December 1st, 2009 by Zack

The Daily Star is reporting on numerous statements from Lebanese officials about the growing concerns over sectarian pressures.  Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt feels that sectarianism is dangerously high, criticizing the distribution of authorities amongst various sects and the traditional quota system.  He suggests forming a senate that could guarantee all religious factions fair and equal representation.

Ahead of his visit to the U.S. on December 12, President Sleiman, who rejected direct peace talks with Israel separately from Syria, is stressing the need for national unity.  In his visit to the U.S. he is expected to press the Palestinian right of return and U.S military aid to Lebanon.  Meanwhile, in response to the proposed cabinet policy statement, the Phalange Party has released a statement calling for the preservation of the Cedar Revolution principles and to re-establish the balance between constitutional powers that would allow the president to “assume his role in preserving the Constitution and independence.”

Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah, according to Babylon and Beyond, has announced his party’s new platform while railing against the U.S. as the “root of all terrorism.” The Daily Star reports he is calling for consensual democracy, the formation of a national committee to abolish sectarianism through years of dialogue, and a combined defense strategy between the army and the resistance forces to address the “Israeli threat.”

At the same time, Foreign Secretary David Miliband says Britain is willing to increase contact with Hezbollah, as part of a bid to press Hezbollah to disarm.  While the move was welcomed by Hezbollah, the U.S. heavily criticized British attempts to meet with Hezbollah MP Ali Amaar last March.

Posted in Diplomacy, Hezbollah, Islam and Democracy, Israel, Lebanon, Political Parties, Sectarianism, US foreign policy |