WikiLeaks: Jumblat Urged U.S. to Prevent Syria From Exploiting Developments

National Struggle Front leader Walid Jumblat has reportedly urged the U.S. to put more pressure on Syria, without allowing it to exploit the international changes for its own benefits.

According to a WikiLeaks cable dated February 20, 2005, carried by OTV, a meeting was held between MP Jumblat and former U.S. ambassador to Lebanon Michele Sison, in the presence of MP Marwan Hamadeh.

Jumblat was worried about the national security, wondering what role Hizbullah was playing in Lebanon.

He said “do they want an open war with Israel? The Lebanese Shiites don’t want it, and Speaker Nabih Berri isn’t looking for a new adventure in the South.”

Jumblat criticized the rumors on Hizbullah commander Walid Mughniyeh’s assassination, asking “if we had the ability to reach Mughniyeh, why couldn’t we reach Syrian President Bashar Assad?”

Jumblat said the March 14 forces must seek the support of the Kurds in Lebanon. “They represent a strong election force, and must support the March 14 forces.”