Opposition Welcomes Lebanon Peace Initiative

The Democratic National Gathering in Syria, an opposition group, has welcomed an initiative to bring the rival parties in Lebanon together, and expressed hope that Beirut and Damascus could have a “normal” relationship.



In a statement published on several opposition websites on May 17, the group praised the Arab League’s efforts to mediate in the conflict between Lebanese factions and prevent the resurgence of civil war.



The statement was the first public comment from the Syrian opposition about the recent violence between pro-western government forces and Syrian- and Iranian-backed Hezbollah militiamen in Lebanon earlier this month.



The Democratic National Gathering, which was set up in 1979 and represents five banned political parties, called on rival Lebanese groups to rebuild trust and not resort to violence for political ends.



Describing Lebanon as “the Arab world's cultural and democratic window on the entire world”, the group did not apportion blame for the internecine strife.



It also called for an improved relationship between Syria and Lebanon that would be based on mutual respect and common interests.