Jumblatt: Those who Seek Gov’t’s Toppling must Accept Unconditioned Dialogue

Local Editor

The Head of the National Struggle Front MP Walid Jumblatt stressed Friday that "the only option for all Lebanese sides is to meet around the national dialogue table."

In an interview with "as-Safir" Lebanese newspaper, Jumblatt urged all sides "to agree on keeping Lebanon away from the surrounding confrontations."
"He who wants to topple the government and form a new one must unconditionally accept national dialogue," he said.
In parallel, Jumblatt asserted: "We shouldn't allow Lebanon to be dragged into strife."

Thus, he called for adopting Lebanese President Michel Suleiman's suggested defense strategy.
"The Future Movement must be aware that, when it is time for Hizbullah to hand over its weapons, the price will be no less than a new Taif Accord," the NSF leader added.
Meanwhile, Jumblatt reiterated that there is no justification for postponing the parliamentary elections even if the 1960's electoral law turned to be a fact.
"Carrying the scheduled elections, regardless of the circumstances, is better than postponing it," he viewed.

Moreover, he affirmed that "no matter who wins the elections, this will not change the internal power balance."
On the economic level, the MP cautioned that " the era of economic affluence has gone," and noted that "the dangers stemming from the bad economic situation equals civil peace threats."
In this context, Jumblatt urged the government to adopt "an austerity policy that saves Lebanon from what awaits it."

"This comes as the Arab and Western countries were no longer willing to offer new aid opportunities like they did in the Paris I and Paris II and III conferences," he said.
"This means that Lebanon will be on its own and have to save itself," the MP concluded.


Source: as-Safir Lebanese daily, Translated and Edited by moqawama.org