"This issue goes beyond any security or political considerations," Jumblat 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," Jumblat said.

Jumblat also pointed to the positive signs in a speech on Wednesday by Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in which he extended a conciliatory hand to the rival pro-government camp to which the Druze leader belongs.

Jumblat 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.

Jumblat said that "nothing prevents a dialogue being held without preconditions by any faction."

News reports on Thursday said that, in addition to Jumblat, President Michel Suleiman, Prime Minister-designate Fouad Saniora and al-Mustaqbal Movement will participate in the welcoming ceremony for the Lebanese prisoners.

As Safir quoted sources as saying that Saniora will take part in greeting the prisoners, vowing to "make this day a national holiday."

Meanwhile, Suleiman expressed his desire of greeting the freed prisoners and extended his congratulations to Nasrallah and the resistance on their achievements.

Mustaqbal Movement, for its part, confirmed it will take part in what it called a "national wedding ceremony," adding in a statement that the group led by MP Saad Hariri will "openly and flexibly deal" with Nasrallah's speech.