"This issue goes beyond any security or political considerations," Jumblatt said in an interview published by the daily As Safir on Thursday.
"It is a humble gesture to show appreciation to all those who were involved in the struggle against the Israeli enemy," Jumblatt said.
Jumblatt also pointed to the positive signs in a speech on Wednesday by Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in which he extended a conciliatory hand to the rival pro-government camp to which the Druze leader belongs.
Jumblatt described Nasrallah's speech as "encouraging," and welcomed his openness to dialogue.
"We are open to all factions with the aim of overcoming tensions of the previous era," Nasrallah told a news conference held by videolink.
"We insist on overcoming the past, healing wounds and opening gates," he added.
Jumblatt said that "nothing prevents a dialogue being held without preconditions by any faction."
News reports on Thursday said that, in addition to Jumblatt, President Michel Suleiman, Prime Minister-designate Fouad Siniora and Parliament majority leader MP Saad Hariri will participate in the welcoming ceremony for the Lebanese prisoners of war ( POWs).
As Safir quoted sources as saying that Siniora will take part in greeting the prisoners, vowing to "make this day a national holiday."
Tags: Hezbollah, Israel, Jumblatt, Lebanon, Nasrallah, Siniora, source: Naharnet, Suleiman, Ya Libnan
