Jumblat: Iran Hampering Govt. Formation, Assad Seeks to Revenge on Lebanon
Progressive Socialist Party leader, former MP Walid Jumblat held Hizbullah and Iran responsible for the government formation delay by “inventing” the so-called Sunni obstacle,” as he refused all means to naturalize ties with the Syrian regime which he said “seeks revenge against its opponents in Lebanon.”
In an interview with al-Joumhouria daily on Friday, Jumblat said: “Lebanon is currently paying the price of double punishment, the American and Iranian, after it has become stuck on the international-regional line between Washington and Tehran.”
“Obstructing the government formation by fabricating the Sunni obstacle, comes in the context of the reactions of Iran and Hizbullah to the recent US sanctions. Therefore, the process of forming the government has become part of the US-Iranian conflict,” said Jumblat.
“US sanctions on Hizbullah will target innocent people and institutions, which we reject. If some believe that assigning John Bolton, the US National Security Adviser, is a joke, then he is unaware of the seriousness of the matter,” he emphasized.
However, Jumblatt added: “We should not break the bridges of cooperation with Washington, because there are vital interests we have to take into account,” he said, rejecting any bid to provide the Lebanese army with non-American weapons.
“In the framework of its confrontation with the US, Iran is punishing Lebanon by delaying the formation,” stated Jumblat, however he raised concerns that shall the current crisis continue, “it will lead to an economic disaster and the deterioration of the lira because it is not simple that the debt of a small country like Lebanon has already reached 100 billion dollars.”
He warned saying “everybody is going to pay the price in case of an economic deterioration. Does Hizbullah think economic collapse will stop at the doors of Dahiyeh?” he asked.
On the Sunni obstacle the PSP leader urged Hizbullah to “have an understanding of the delicate domestic situation and drop demands for the representation of Sunni MPs (of March 8 camp) in the government.”
On his “strained” ties with the Syrian regime, he said: “I will not conclude my political life with more settlements. We made a settlement after the martyrdom of chief Kamal Jumblat (his father), and after the martyrdom of former PM Rafik Hariri. I believe that is enough.”
“Let me die in dignity without getting involved in more humiliating settlements which only destroy my national heritage and the heritage of Kamal Jumblat. I will not change my tone against the regime. Let someone else do,” he stated.
The PSP leader accused Syrian President Bashar Assad of seeking revenge against those who opposed him in Lebanon.
“Bashar will not leave Lebanon and will not forget it. The Syrian wants to come back and revenge against the remnants of March 14 camp, the only one left is Fares Souaid.”
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