Arslan warns Jumblatt against attempting to outsmart the opposition

Source: NowLebanon, 04-05-2008
In an interview with Hizbullah's Al-Manar channel, former MP Talal Arslan accused the ruling majority of "conspiracy and treason against not only the resistance, but all of Lebanon."
"The US and the West strike Lebanon, and the resistance protects it," Arslan added. Arslan, a major opponent of Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt and opposition supporter, said he was ready to discuss the issue of Hizbullah as a resistance within Lebanon's defense policy. "Outside this framework, we insist on our position."
Arslan said Jumblatt's recent verbal attack on Hizbullah was an attempt to incite civil unrest and reflected the failure of the ruling alliance. "This is nothing new, but yesterday he dared to announce his position," Arslan said of Jumblatt.
"Jumblatt is smart, it's true, but what's important is that he does not try to outsmart us and that we, the opposition, remain aware," he added.
Arslan concluded by saying the overall political impasse in Lebanon did not look like it would progress anytime soon. "I never had hope in the Arab initiative, not since the first day," he said. "Any Arab, internal or foreign initiative that does not take into account the demands of the opposition will lead to an impasse."