Lebanon’s Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) strongly condemned the Syrian regime’s order that Druze clerics seeking to enter its territory obtain a “mandatory” entry permit.
It slammed the move as blatant Syria meddling in Lebanese and Druze affairs.
The order demands that the clerics obtain a permit with their name. The permit must be signed by Druze senior cleric Nasserddine al-Gharib, who is known for his affiliation to the Damascus regime.
PSP chief Walid Jumblat condemned the move, urging Gharib against getting embroiled in such political affairs.
PSP sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the regime order will create obstacles for figures, who do not enjoy Gharib’s political leanings. They slammed the move as meddling in Lebanese affairs, noting that Gharib is appointed by the regime, but enjoys no official status in Lebanon or abroad.
The only recognized official Druze representative is Naim al-Hassan, who was unanimously elected by Lebanese lawmakers, they stressed.
“I respect Sheikh Gharib’s standing despite the differences in opinion between us and even though his position was created by the local, Syrian and regional resistance axis,” tweeted Jumblat.
“I advise him to steer clear from a role that does not suit his standing. Let others play the role formerly occupied by the infamous Rustom Ghazaleh,” he added in reference to Syrian former political security chief.
Ghazaleh had also acted as head of Syrian intelligence in Lebanon during Damascus’ period of hegemony over its neighbor. He was killed during the Syrian conflict in 2015.
“I have not realized that Rustom Ghazaleh and Jameh Jameh have so quickly been reincarnated into a coast and mountain,” he said in reference to the Syrian former military intelligence chief in Beirut. Jameh was killed during the Syrian conflict in 2013.
Lebanese Industry Minister and Jumblat ally Wael Abou Faour said in a statement: “The mandatory channel that has been approved by the regime for Druze clerics to enter Syria is further evidence that the regime has returned to its old habits of interfering in Lebanese internal affairs.”
He accused the regime of seeking to create strife in Lebanon, “but it will fail.”
He demanded that the Lebanese state take a stand to confront the discriminatory measures that the regime wants to impose on Lebanese citizens.
“The Lebanese state must react in kind and impose similar measures on regime supporters seeking to travel to Lebanon,” he suggested.
Pro-regime Lebanese MP Talal Arslan was quick to reject Jumblat’s remarks, calling on him to quit targeting Gharib, “who enjoys greater legitimacy than several corrupt figures who hide their crimes under religious garb and who enjoy your protection.”
Another pro-regime official, Lebanese former MP Wiam Wahhab defended Gharib, saying: “We are not surprised with the attack directed at the Syrian state’s just decision to protect our Druze clerics.”
