 The opposition had mixed reactions to the massive pro-Syrian demonstration led by Hizbullah and other resistance groups Tuesday, with many saluting Hizbullah but deploring its backing of Syria. Many opposition figures singled out the Islamic resistance party as the only legitimate group in the demonstration, and repeated calls for Hizbullah to unite with the opposition. Speaking from Berlin, Chouf MP Walid Jumblatt said he hoped Hizbullah would join the opposition to build "an independent Lebanon." After talks with German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, Jumblatt said: "It is necessary and important to have a dialogue with Hizbullah. We wish they would join us ... as defenders of Lebanon, a democratic Lebanon." However, Jumblatt renewed his calls for a "clear-cut timetable" for the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon. |