External issues affect Lebanon -- Jumblatt

BEIRUT, Lebanon, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- Lebanon must not underestimate the importance of regional influences on the efforts in Beirut to form a new unity government, said Walid Jumblatt.

Jumblatt, the Druze leader of the Progressive Socialist Party, stressed the "importance" of an upcoming summit between Saudi and Syrian leaders in relation to the efforts to form a new government in Beirut.

"If some believe that the government is only made in Lebanon, they are wrong," he said.

He told Hezbollah's news agency al-Manar that he expects Saudi and Syrian leaders to make important decisions that may influence Lebanese politics "in contrast with what some wish."

Hezbollah and its political allies rely on support from Syria, while Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri receives backing from the Saudi government.

Hariri led his March 14 slate to power in June parliamentary elections, promising to form a unity government swiftly. Political defections, led by Jumblatt, and disputes over ministerial portfolios forced Hariri to resign briefly as negotiations collapsed.

Saudi and Syrian leaders met last week as part of a broader push toward improving bilateral relations. Lebanese media report the leaders are expected to meet again next week, though neither country has confirmed the schedule.