Jumblatt´s Stances Cause Differences within March 14 Bloc

Source: almanar.com.lb, 2-7-2009

Once again, the March 14 bloc seems to be perplexed because of the positions taken by the head of the Democratic Gathering MP Walid Jumblatt...

In his latest stances, Jumblatt criticized the major slogan of his main "ally," the Future bloc, "Lebanon First," saying that Palestine and Arabism should come first... He also attacked the "privatization" projects, saying that he wouldn't take part in any government that propagates privatization..

However, the most provocative statement made by Jumblatt was launched against the Phalange party and its MP Sami Gemayel over his stances against the Resistance's weapons. Yet, the Phalange party refused to retort to Jumblatt.

In this context, the party's sources told Lebanese daily Al-Akhbar that the bloc didn't want to engage into a verbal battle with Jumblatt. The sources said that the party was surprised by Jumblatt's stances but decided to respond for the March 14 higher interest. The sources said that negotiations over the formation of the cabinet might be the main reason behind Jumblatt's positions.

Meanwhile, Future movement MP Ammar Houri said that Jumblatt "has a special way of voicing his stances," assuring that he remains one of the major players within the March 14 alliance.

In an interview with As-Sharq al-Awsat newspaper on Thursday, Houri said that Jumblatt would still have to clarify his negative position on privatization, especially since it has clear repercussions on the donations made at the Paris III conference.

Houri responded to Jumblatt's rejection of the "Lebanon First" slogan by saying, "We have made it clear to him that there is no contradiction between the ‘Lebanon First' and ‘Arab Lebanon' slogans," as Jumblatt claimed.