Jumblat to those Hoping for Instability in Syria: Lebanon’s Security is Linked to Syria’s

Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat condemned on Monday some Lebanese sides’ hope of instability breaking out in Syria, saying that its stability and security are linked to Lebanon’s.

He said in his weekly editorial in the PSP-affiliated al-Anbaa magazine: “Geographic, historic, and political experiences and the Taif Accord have proven this fact and therefore it’s crazy for Lebanese political or media circles to hope for instability in Syria.”

“The national, progressive, and resistance forces, along with Syria’s leadership, people, and army, obstructed the May 17 agreement, paved the way for holding the Taif Accord, and liberated southern Lebanon,” he added.

Addressing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s speech on Saturday, Jumblat stated: “The basis for reform in Syria has been set after his last two speeches and it’s important that it be implemented immediately.”

The elimination of the emergency law in Syria and allowing the formation of political parties will leave an important mark in the country, especially in paving the way for the freedom of expression and staging demonstrations.

“Assad’s recent position is bold and brave … and his call for dialogue with the different political powers is important because dialogue is the only way to avert instability,” he said.

“Dialogue should therefore be launched with the cultural, political, and intellectual sides who want to establish stability alongside reform,” the MP added.

“Out of my keenness on Syria and its stability and security, I believe that it is necessary to review the structure of its security forces,” he continued.

Furthermore, Jumblat advised the Syrian opposition to learn from the mistakes committed by the opposition movements in some Arab countries and be wary of foreign meddling in Syria.