Rajaa Sharafeddine, the daughter of a Syrian opposition member who was allegedly kidnapped in the eastern Lebanese region of Aley, has demanded that Hizbullah mediate with its close ally Syria the release of her father, Shebli al-Aysami.

She told the pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat in remarks published on Thursday that the Syrian regime “should not turn its mistake into a sin and it should therefore ensure his immediate release.”

Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri is eager to return to Lebanon, but an exact date for his return has not been set yet, revealed sources close to him told al-Joumhouria newspaper on Thursday.

It reported that security and personal reasons are preventing him from returning to Lebanon.

Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat condemned on Wednesday the kidnapping of Syrian opposition members in Lebanon, wondering if Lebanon is facing a new phase of the “infamous” security hegemony that controlled the country in the past.

He said in a statement: “All Syrian activists have the right to express their opinions freely without being subject to any harassment or pressure from any side.”

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea noted on Thursday that the Syrian regime cannot go ahead with the Arab League proposal even though it had announced its acceptance of the initiative “without reservations.”

He added: “The regime has only made a political maneuver and it cannot withdraw its troops from the streets and it will not allow the media and rights groups to enter Syria.”

Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat confirmed on Thursday his decision to step down from the leadership of his party, As Safir newspaper reported.

He stressed that he will not discuss the matter even if he was pressured by the party members to reconsider his position.

Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat confirmed on Sunday his centrist position with a clear tilt towards the March 14-led opposition, An Nahar newspaper reported.

“Jumblat was a forerunner in specifying the principles and the roadmap concerning the situation in Syria,” sources told the daily on Monday.

Speaker Nabih Berri is expected to meet President Michel Suleiman before the end of this week to discuss with him the possibility of resuming dialogue between the Lebanese foes.

Berri said in comments to As Safir newspaper published on Monday that he will discuss with Suleiman the chances of resuming the national dialogue, to inquire him about the reasons that are preventing the launching of the all-party talks.

President Michel Suleiman stressed on Monday that Lebanon “should fund” the Special Tribunal for Lebanon ruling out any threat if the cabinet doesn’t pay Lebanon’s share to the court.

In remarks to Ad-Diyar daily, Suleiman said that Lebanon is characterized by its commitment to the United Nations legitimacy and its international resolutions.

Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat said Sunday that the reconciliation with former Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir and the PSP’s participation in the March 14 forces had a positive impact on the party.

The reconciliation was “illuminating,” Jumblat said in a speech at his party’s general assembly in Aley.

Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat praised on Monday Saudi Arabia for its constant support to Lebanon, noting that it has never hesitated in helping Lebanon throughout the various hardships it has endured over the years.

He said in his weekly editorial in the PSP-affiliated al-Anbaa magazine that the kingdom’s crowning achievement towards Lebanon was the Taif accord that helped end the country’s 1975-90 civil war.