Jumblat to Attend National Dialogue over Suleiman’s Defense Strategy Efforts

Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat said he would attend a national dialogue session set to be held on Thursday even if the March 14 opposition coalition decides to boycott the all-party talks.

In remarks to As Safir daily published Wednesday, Jumblat said: “I hail the president on the questions he asked as to how we could benefit from the arsenal of the resistance to defend Lebanon through a Lebanese defense strategy.”

“That’s why I will participate in the dialogue” scheduled to be held at President Michel Suleiman’s summer residence in Beiteddine, the PSP chief, who is a centrist, said.

But by midday Wednesday, it was not yet clear whether the March 14 alliance would participate in the dialogue.

Media reports said the opposition will issue a statement in the afternoon to set its stance clear.