Jumblat Says Political Extortion Should Stop
Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat expressed fear that the political disputes between the cabinet members might occur at every crossroads, especially with the imminent discussions of the administrative appointments.
He told As Safir newspaper on Monday that his position on the electricity project was merely technical and administrative, and not political.
He said that priority goes to the cabinet’s work, stressing: “It should focus its attention to all sectors, whether on the appointments issue or anything related to the economy, (people’s) livelihood, salaries and taxes policy.”
Jumblat noted: “Prime Minister Najib Miqati is running the cabinet properly; however, the most important thing is that the blackmailing policy stop as some parties in the cabinet have become weary of the extortion practiced by others.”
Asked about proportional representation in the electoral law, the MP responded that he opposes it not because he will lose the elections if it were adopted, but because he doesn’t understand it.
“I have tried to study it… I found it very hard to understand,” the PSP leader stated.
Concerning the dispute between Speaker Nabih Berri and the Mustaqbal movement, he commented: “I’ve read about it in the newspapers and I don’t want to get involved, but if I were Berri, I wouldn’t have responded.”
Jumblat said that Lebanon should remain committed to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon probing the assassination of ex-Premier Rafik Hariri.
“We shouldn’t venture and cut off our obligations with the tribunal or prevent funding it, as the country will have to bear any sanctions imposed on it (as a result of this decision),” the newspaper quoted him as saying.
He urged the cabinet to fund the tribunal, saying: “Hizbullah can defend itself with all the possible ways… The issue will not end today or tomorrow it might take many years.”
On the developments in Syria, the PSP leader said that the Syrian regime has to implement reforms to face the popular uprising, noting that the situation in Syria is complicated.
The Syrian leadership should adopt the Arab League initiative, “I have read it and it includes good points,” he added.
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