Jumblat Seeks to Safeguard Stability in Lebanon, Warns of Political Vacuum
Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat considered on Wednesday that the priority at this “critical stage” is to seek consensus between the cabinet members to safeguard the stability of Lebanon amid the turmoil in the region.
“The current cabinet is essential to ensure stability because any other alternative would merely lead to a (political) vacuum,” Jumblat said in remarks published in As Safir newspaper.
He stressed that Speaker Nabih Berri is exerting efforts to fortify the cabinet and resolve the dispute over the funding of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.
Prime Minister Najib Miqati stresses that the cabinet should approve the funding of the STL. He has threatened to resign if it failed to meet Lebanon’s international commitments.
However, Hizbullah and its ally the Free Patriotic Movement, refuse to pay Lebanon’s dues, which created a rift between the government members.
A source close to the PSP leader told al-Liwaa newspaper that Jumblat supports paying Lebanon’s $33 million dues.
“Let us pay (our dues) and get through with it,” the source quoted him as saying.
Jumblat held a meeting on Tuesday with Berri in an attempt to find consensus among the cabinet members.
He stressed after the meeting that “there’s no magical solution.”
Concerning the turmoil in Syria, Jumblat said: “Security and national unity in Syria are linked to Lebanon … We should help Syria overcome its crisis.”
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