British Ambassador Hints that Hizbullah’s Arms Scared Jumblat

British Ambassador Frances Guy has said that although the government change was constitutional, it partly came out of fear from the use of Hizbullah’s weapons against its foes.

In an interview with As Safir daily published Friday, Guy confirmed that Britain would deal with the new government and expects it to respect Security Council resolutions on Lebanon mainly 1701 and 1757.

She reiterated that London would judge Najib Miqati’s cabinet based on its performance and commitment to the resolutions.

Guy told As Safir that MP Walid Jumblat was the main reason behind Miqati’s nomination and the collapse of Saad Hariri’s government. She said the presence of arms near Druze population centers helped him change his mind and name Miqati.

Asked about the violent March 14 rhetoric against Hizbullah’s arms, Guy said it wasn’t natural for a certain faction to own arms unlike other parties.

The fact that Hizbullah is better equipped than the Lebanese army is a problem in itself, she told As Safir.

On the indictment that will be issued by the Special Tribunal for Lebanon investigating ex-Premier Rafik Hariri’s assassination, Guy said the charges should be an opportunity for the suspects to prove their innocence.

The accused should respect the course of justice and should always consider themselves innocent until proven guilty, the ambassador added.