Jumblat Assures He’ll ‘Never’ Visit Damascus, Calls for Dropping Discussion on Hizbullah’s Arms
Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat assured on Tuesday that he is not going to Damascus, stressing also that he “is still a centrist.”
“I am never going to Damascus,” Jumblat said in an interview on LBCI television, denying reports that claimed he was reaching out to President Bashar Assad's regime.
He elaborated: “I am still a centrist amid this division in politics, between religious sects and regarding the war in Syria.”
“I want to neutralize Lebanon from the repercussions of the Syrian crisis and I am trying alongside President Michel Suleiman, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Miqati and Speaker Nabih Berri to fend off the dangers.”
Jumblat explained that unlike other political figures that thought the neighboring country’s regime would collapse, he “knew it would be a long war.”
He detailed: “I gathered my information from (former Syrian army chief of staff Lt. Gen.) Hikmat al-Shihabi and he told me that Syria is heading towards a war.”
“The Syrian regime aggravated imprisonments and killings until the revolution turned into a sectarian war.”
The PSP leader considered that the Friends of Syria “disappointed” the revolutionaries due to the presence of “different agendas.”
“What is required is stopping the smuggling of Takfiris into the country, uniting the financing and the military efforts of the Free Syrian Army, and sending a single delegation that represents all factions to attend the Geneva II summit.”
“Whatever were the difficulties, not attending the Geneva II summit is a mistake because it would send a message that the regime is fighting Takfiris only,” he remarked, pointing out also that extremists were “created” by the regime itself.
Jumblat revealed that he had asked United States Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey Feltman for weapons to be given to the FSA.
“But I did not get a positive response,” he said. “I still believe that the FSA is the solution, with the participation of Syria’s army.”
Regarding the effect of the neighboring country’s war on Lebanon, Jumblat expressed that he recommends a “partial neutralization.”
“I urge a partial neutralization like forgetting about Hizbullah's weaponry and in case it was up for discussion, let's hold national dialogue sessions to tackle it,” he explained.
He continued: “We should not suspend other issues in the country awaiting Hizbullah's withdrawal from Syria. We should reduce the damage.”
“There are topics that we cannot have a decision over, like the possession of weapons and getting involved in the Syrian war on both sides of the conflict. Let us leave these issues aside and deal with daily matters that concerns citizens.”
“It is not in my powers, nor in (ex-PM) Saad Hariri's powers to withdraw Hizbullah's fighters from Syria,” he added.
“Hizbullah is a military and political reality. Let's forget about this issue.”
The Druze leader, however, slammed the party's role in the Syrian war as a “historical mistake.”
“(Hizbullah chief) Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has his own facts and I have my own political view. He is not a foreigner in the country but he is an extension of Iranian politics,” Jumblat said.
Regarding the cabinet’s formation, he announced he would name premier-designate Tammam Salam again to head the council of ministers, if another round of parliamentary consultations took place.
Jumblat also stressed that he rejects a de facto cabinet.
“I have informed Suleiman that I will not take part in a de facto cabinet because it is not respect the National Pact.”
“I support a consensual formula,” he clarified.
over 10 years
The truth hurts, doesn't it? Don't kill the messenger. These comments are here to send a message and make a difference. So make the difference and unite. Put the Israels and the Persians to shame with you unity and tolerance of religion, sect, etc. It is easy to give thumbs down ha!
over 10 years
"the majority of Iran is not divided, and the people have the resolve to stick together when it comes to Iranian interests"
this is the very reason that the US wont do business with them. they prefer backward savages who fight each other and let themselves be ripped off without a peep.
over 10 years
ice-man:
Don't take it personally. Just go to Los Angeles and see what these people are all about. There are enough Persians in LA who represent the cross section of their community. On its face, they may not get along with each other, but when it matters the most, you better believe they are united. Otherwise, you are divided and conquered.
over 10 years
Overdose of jumblatt....
over 10 years
I suppose if all lebs were centrists, the fight will be over.
over 10 years
for those who havent watched the interview on TV, Jumblat actually seemed more confused than ever before... but in a calm way... Which means something very suspicious is going to happen in the coming months. However also for those who have their money in Lebanese Pounds or earn their income in that currency it is preferable to convert to USD as the presidency's issue in the coming months and especially at the beginning of next summer is going to affect the Lebanese Pound especially that it will occur at a time when the number of Syrian refugees will be double what it is today including other problems such as expenses due to clashes etc...
over 10 years
Yes, forget you have a gun pointed to your head and lets talk politics. Forget that if you don't comply with their agenda your car will be blown out the minute you arrive to Lebanon. Forget if you don't do what they tell you to blackshirts filled with thugs will flood the streets, forget when you stand up to speak your mind someone will pull that trigger killing you infront of the eyes of the Lebanese Army and they will do NOTHING.....
over 10 years
The poster's screen name is "formerlebaniz".... who gives you the right to refer to him as "currentisraeliz"?. Once again, you insult people for no reason except to appear funny or witty. What value did your insult bring to the poster's argument. If you disagree with him, you can express yourself in a normal civilized manner. You have been banned time and time again, yet you still come back with the same mentality and behavior. You come here to provoke and not debate. Grow up, you are very very disliked here!
over 10 years
Thanks condor, I tried engaging this guy before and HE claimed I was calling someone names, but when he does that it's OK.. I gave up wasting my time on his likes. He's just paid to undermine and delude.
over 10 years
as for jumby, i guess we should read "never" as "until the situation, or my mind, or the weather, changes"
over 10 years
Hala Hala bil Mukhtar:) Kifak.... what happened to your partition proposal? Have you moved to Dahiyeh next to your loved ones or not yet.
over 10 years
You can tell that everything political in Lebanon is in flux because Jumblatt is on every side of every issue. He is in the middle because it is a shorter distance to jump, if necessary, and he finds himself on the wrong side. So stay in the middle lane is best when the road is curvy.
How does the Syrian War end?? There are two wars, one for the Regime and then once that is won, then to defeat the Islamists who have moved in and taken advantage of the chaos in the country.
over 10 years
The first battle is won when Assad is either defeated, is killed, or is removed from power and taken into exile. Then the Syrian Army, security and intelligence services, along with the FSA can come together under the Geneva process, reform a secular government, and secure the country by jointy fighting and defeating the al Nusra Front and other Qaida types roving about in Eastern Syria.
over 10 years
Thats kind of hard when many of the FSA have joined al Nusra Front. Lets face it there is no FSA anymore its al Nusra who has taken control of the rebels.
over 10 years
momo seems to take it personally every time someone insults his idol. momo we have earned the right to call them ASSads until the end of time for the suffering they caused us. If you don't like it, rou7 ballet el ba7er you and the ASSads!
over 10 years
well done naharnet, dont censor the lamely disguised insult, censor the one who points it out :0
It looks like, Iran is sitting pretty. The U.S. would be smart to break ties with the Arabs and re-kindle relationship with the Persians. At least, the majority of Iran is not divided, and the people have the resolve to stick together when it comes to Iranian interests.