Jumblat to Cut Ties with Syrian Regime Completely, Supports Cabinet
Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat stressed on Thursday that he decided to boycott the Syrian regime once and for all, whether President Bashar Assad remained in power or he resigned.
“I’d rather end my life while I am at a rift with the Syrian regime,” Jumblat told As Safir newspaper.
He noted that he will never contact the Syrian regime or Assad, saying: “I am relieved with my decision which comes in accordance with my convictions and beliefs.”
“I might lose politically but I would gain myself back eventually,” Jumblat told the daily.
Relations between Jumblat and the Assad regime witnessed deterioration after the assassination of ex-Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in 2005, but the PSP chief visited again the Syrian president in 2010 to boost their ties.
However, after the year-long March 2011 revolt against Bashar Assad in Syria, Jumblat had voiced his support to the people criticizing the regime.
Concerning his relations with Hizbullah, the Druze leader confirmed that there are ongoing contacts with the party.
“We’ve managed to overcome the tension and set a settlement based on excluding any sectarian dispute,” Jumblat stated.
However, the PSP leader criticized the March 14 leaders’ wager on the collapse of the Syrian regime in an attempt to score victories without exerting efforts to launch a dialogue with Hizbullah and AMAL.
“This logic will not lead to any results,” Jumblat said.
On the arms of Hizbullah, he voiced his support to the issue “until a political settlement would put these weapons under the custody of the state… If we were ever destined to form one.”
“This issue shouldn’t remain a point of contention” between the Lebanese parties, Jumblat added.
Asked if he will meet with ex-Prime Minister Saad Hariri soon, he said: “A meeting like this would have its political price that I’m not ready to pay… I am satisfied with my current situation and will remain in this cabinet with all its flaws.”
12 years
thanks for confirming what we already knew about you jumpalot.. all your decisions were to save your neck not for the good of the country. Now you are having a mid life crisis/guilt trip you are finally admitting this. lets hope you finally start acting like a man with a concience.
12 years
fasharit....hes a man and speaks his mind..at least he doesnt live underground like a rat...dont ever mess with the druze...let it always be remembered. what happened on the mountains...if he dies..lebanon should be afraid of the druze...cause we will avenge him!!
12 years
Jumblat is always a step ahead. You just don't realize it until everyone else falls and he is still standing. Proves his point right at the right time.
12 years
walid is too fast , too deep, to understand him u have to be pragmatic,he is scientific in a sentimental way
12 years
The weather vane has become permanently stuck against Assad. One can only conclude that Assad is genuinely done.
12 years
Assad is a dead man walking, it is like someone on death row who keeps appealing i.e he can perhaps buy a long time but he is doomed. Anyone who thinks Syria will go back to pre-march 15th 2011 is simply a blind idiot.
12 years
When do you think he will be "past" doomed and an "actually" dead man no longer walking? Be realistic, make another prediction and, if necessary, consult with Dr. Jedeba Wmesheh. Input from two great minds like is something one can only dream about.
12 years
You read what this guy says and you think: Wow. How will Assad be able now to go on living and functioning and doing anything without Jumblat the Great's blessing and satisfaction? Earth has three axis around which it spins: Walid jumblat, Dr. Karakoz Beyekh and Cheikh Imbecile.
He must had a dream.