Jumblatt to Al Intiqad: Syria Stands at Cross-Road towards Stability

Local Editor

Member of Parliament and head of the "National Struggle Front" Walid Jumblatt ruled out all rumors that said he has changed his stance on the national elements and resistance, assuring the necessity of holding tight onto the resistance arms in face of any Zionist aggression. Jumblatt stressed on the importance of preserving the brotherly relation with Syria. 

In an interview with Al Intiqad online website, the MP stressed that he heads to Syria to meet the Syrian President Bashar Al Assad, pointing out the possibility of discussing the government formation with the Syrian leadership. He reiterated that as this immense crisis rocks the Syrian Republic, the fortification of the Syrian back in Lebanon by speedily forming a cabinet has become a must.

The MP further denied having any contacts with Syrian opposition, stressing on the other hand that the Syrian people remain hopeful with the reform plans the Syrian President promised to implement. He reminded of the vast Syrian feats and achievements in support of Lebanon, as well as its non-stop protection for the Lebanese Resistance.

Jumblatt also stressed that Syria now stands at the basic cross-road towards stability in the region, as it is the key to peace and war. He underscored that internal political stability in Syria boosts and strengthens Syria facing all conspiracies.

Noting he had no information on news about a rapid birth of a Lebanese government -during the current 24 hours- as some media outlets said, Jumblatt hoped a government would be formed as soon as possible, stressing the importance of going back to dialogue.
Jumblatt further said his latest cry emerged from the harsh living conditions of the people, as well as from concern over protecting the resistance, its arms, national unity, as well as protecting the objective relation with Syria. He noted the future government should take care of people's living conditions and woes solve the issue of escalating prices, and tackling the growing budget deficit. 

The Prime Minister-Designate Najib Mikati has done all he should do, Jumblatt said, ruling out the presence of any impediments before the formation of a government.

"I called the caretaker PM Saad Hariri and told him that as a Sunni leader, he cannot but communicate with Hizbullah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Lebanese House Seaker Nabih Berri," Jumblatt said, explaining that his dispute with Hariri stems from Hariri's refusal to the [Resistance] arms, rather than appreciating the importance of this arms in Lebanon in face of "Israel". 

"There are tens of thousands of martyrs who fell in Beirut, the Mountain, the South, Sidon and Arsal for the sake of the resistance," Jumblatt continued.

On the anniversary of the Victory and Liberation on the 25th of May, Jumblatt said "We have not forgotten when "Israel" invaded the South, there existed a Lebanese and Palestinian resistance, we have not forgotten the siege on Beirut, when the capital and its Suburb were a one military and struggle crucible." He stressed the role of the Palestinian resistance during a certain phase in Lebanon's history. 

With regard to amendments being made by the Prosecutor General of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) Daniel Bellemare every now and then to the STL indictment, Jumblatt underlined the fact that modifications could in no way harm the Resistance as it is well fortified. He underscored that the STL is politicized and that it is a political rather than a justice tool.

As for the Wikileaks cables related to him published lately, Jumblatt said these cables might sometimes be subject to distortion by the US ambassador. "Since parts of the Wikileaks cables exposed Walid Jumblatt's history, his family's and the Progressive Socialist Party's history (and their stance on) supporting the Palestinian, National and Islamic Resistances, I admitted this was a dark page and I insist on what I said," Jumblatt concluded.