Jumblat Questions Purpose of Launching Debate with Iran: Let us Instead Focus on Ending Internal Tensions

Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat warned on Monday that the recent unrest at Roumieh prison may be the first chapter of a dispute whose repercussions have not ended yet.

He said in his weekly editorial in the PSP-affiliated al-Anbaa magazine: “The recent events require that this file, which has been neglected for tens of years, receive the attention it deserves.”

He suggested that buildings near Roumieh be rented and transformed into jails in order to ease the overcrowding in the main prison and speed up trials.

This all should be accompanied with developing prisons and improving the living and health conditions of the prisoners and subjecting them to psychological, social, and ideological rehabilitation, he added.

The Druze leader also questioned the purpose of sparking a debate with Iran given the tense political situation in the region “instead of tackling the tensions and divisions on the internal scene that have reached a dangerous level.”

Jumblat continued: “In light of all these developments, we should monitor the situation in southern Lebanon … and keep reminding people that the Gaza Strip, which in the past few days has been the victim of Israeli aggression, is not that far away from the area.”

“Given the regional situation, returning to the national dialogue table is necessary in order to discuss a defensive strategy that would fortify Lebanon from any potential Israeli assault that could take place at any moment,” he warned.

The ongoing media campaign against the arms will not solve the problem, Jumblat stressed.