Jumblatt: I was mistaken about Hizbullah, Iran
Source: Press TV, 20-10-2008
Lebanon's Druze politician Walid Jumblatt has acknowledged that he was mistaken in verbally attacking Hizbullah at times of tension.
"In the moments of tension and moments of nervousness you can't say anything sometimes. We said so many bad things about Hizbullah about (Sayyed Hassan) Nasrallah, and also they said so many bad things about me, about Saad Hariri," Jumblatt said in an interview with Press TV.
The leader of Lebanon's Progressive Socialist Party also called for calm and unity ahead of the country's political elections.
"But, these were moments of terrible tension, terrible psychological and political tension. Tell me who ...does not somewhere go beyond certain limits. After all, we are all human. But lets go back now to calmness to seek our aims in a civilized way," he added.
In May, Jumblatt, who is aliened with the March 14 coalition, made several harsh comments against Hizbullah, fueling tensions that led to the country's worst internal clashes since the bloody 15-year-civil war (1975-1990).
Jumblatt said pro-government forces were ready to go to war with Hizbullah. He also accused the movement of planning to carry out a large scale attack on Beirut International Airport.
"It seems certain sides are monitoring (key) figures at present and the trend is to carry out a major security operation," Jumblatt was quoted by the ‘Israeli' daily Jerusalem Post as saying on May 2.
Four days later, the Lebanese cabinet removed Beirut International Airport security chief, Brig. Gen. Wafiq Shoukair, angering Hizbullah supporters who saw the decision as a sign of increasing Western influence in the country.
However, the conflict between supporters of opposition groups and the Western-backed government simmered down with the Doha agreement and the subsequent election of Michel Suleiman as president on May 25.
After the Doha deal, rival Lebanese groups formed a national unity government, allocating ministerial posts for both sides.
The following is an interview with Walid Jumblatt, the leader of Lebanon's Progressive Socialist Party:Source: Press TV, 20-10-2008
Q: Mr. Jumblatt, thank you very much for this opportunity. I would like to start with the latest developments concerning Syria and Lebanon, the establishment of diplomatic ties. What's your opinion concerning the step?
A: It's a very positive step, because it has been a long time demand from the Lebanese to have diplomatic relations with Syria. It has started when the two countries in 1943 and 1946 got their independence but we had never diplomatic relations. It has nothing to do with the [Syrian] regime. It is a long time demand from the Lebanese. We hope later on to develop these relations fruitfully for both countries and fix up normal ties between two independent countries.
Q: You said it has nothing to do with "the Syrian regime". Now do you think this regime has taken a positive step?
A: Yes it's good after all it comes out of the promise that President Basshar al- Assad gave to President Sarkozy. It was a question of at one time quarrel between us and Syria. Now it's settled and we hope later on to fix other issues, like demarcation of the borders, Shibaa, and to develop normal relations between the two sovereign countries.
Q: Let's assume "the Syrian regime" invites you for a visit, would you accept?
A: I don't think they would invite me after all I have said about the Syrian regime now I am not in a mood to go to Syria. Regardless of my position, the Lebanese-Syrian relationship should be normalized. Of course, there are so many obstacles one bye one. I think one day we will have normal issues between the two countries.
Q: Concerning your anticipated meeting with the head of the political Beauro of Hizbullah, Mr. Mohammad Raad, what stage have we reached concerning this meeting?
A: We spoke about it with the Druze Leader, Mr. Talal Arsalan. We spoke about meeting Mr. Mohammad Raad. At the same time, I told him we don't want them to anticipate the general meeting about national reconciliation headed by President Michel Suleiman. We have delayed it for the time being and also at the same time I am waiting for Mr. Hariri to meet Hassan Nasrallah. It would be better for everybody for the first step to be done by Mr. Hariri, and then I would follow.
Q: So you would say that any meeting with any Hizbullah official would be after the al-Hariri-Nasrallah meeting?
A: Sorry, we've already met several times with Hizbullah Leaders and representatives at the Lebanese dialogue in Mabda, but I mean it is just a question of time. There is no problem as for enhancing or forbidding this meeting.
Q: But it would be after the Nasrallah-Hariri meeting?
A: It would be better because the Hariri-Nasrallah meeting that is expected by all the Lebanese will defuse what is left of tension. I hope a new pact between Sunnis and Shiaa. It will prevent foreign, imperial powers. The foreign powers are willing to have a rift between the Sunnis and Shiaa in Lebanon, in Iraq and in everywhere. So I think this step would be a very positive step and later on, well, accordingly I will study the way also to follow up the reconciliation meetings that we have started and to enlarge it.
Q: Concerning the latest comments about Iran, you expressed your readiness for dialogue if Iran takes the initiative, now my question is are there any contacts between you and any Iranian official at any level?
A: No there has not been any contact from long time ago between me and the Iranians. The last time I had a contact was long time ago just after the assassination of Rafiq Hariri when I went to Tehran. At that time the president was Sayyed [Mohammad] Khatami and from that time the relations began to deteriorate.
Q: If Iran takes the initiative and send you an invitation would you be willing to go there to Tehran?
A: I would see it appropriately because for certain Lebanese, not all of them, they consider that the Iranian government is just dealing with one faction of Lebanese it is just better for any government to deal with all the Lebanese and with the state as the state.
Q: Concerning that issues Iran previously proposed to give economic and military aid to the Lebanese state.
A: Well it would be very positive if the Iranian government is ready to arm and give military aid to the Lebanese army; why not? For the economic aid I do not know. Iran is a rich country and we can benefit from normal economic exchanges.
Q: So you would support Iranian military aid to the Lebanese state?
A: I would support any aid coming to help the Lebanese army because now we are doing our best to re-arm the Lebanese army to have better weapons but still it is quiet slow. I would support any help. I have said that publicly, there is no problem.
Q: With respect to arming the Lebanese army I am sure that you noticed the headlines today concerning a US-Lebanese agreement for automotive grenade launchers. The deal singed between the US Under-Secretary of Defense, Eric Edelman, and the Lebanese Chief of the army, Brigadier General Jean Kahwaji for the army. Do you think such military assistance is sufficient enough?
A: Well from any part of this world any help to the Lebanese army is positive. You have to remember that 80 percent of the Lebanese army equipments are from the US. So we have a kind of connection and collaboration with the Americans. There is no problem if it comes from somewhere else, from the Russians, the Iranians, or the French. We also have French equipment. There is no problem as long as these weapons are to the central authority, the Lebanese army.
Q: But you would agree with me that Israel is limiting the quality of the military equipment which we are receiving
A: Well the pretext of some people outside Lebanon, in the Western Spheres and Western circles as well that say we are not going to give the Lebanese army weapons that could one day deter the Israelis. Well this is ridiculous regarding that these weapons will do its duty to defend the Lebanese territory.
Q: I want to speak about your comments against the visit of Michel Aoun to Tehran. You said it makes Lebanon look like being a part of an axis. But one of your allies visited another country which is Egypt which is also considered part of an axis?
A: Let me tell you frankly, the difference between Iran and Egypt is that the Iranian due to ideological, religious, and political reasons they have military and political extension inside Lebanon, of course Hizbullah. I don't think that the Egyptians have the same extension in Lebanon. The Egyptians as all the Arab countries do have adequate relations with Lebanon but not the limitary extension. We hope that later on we can achieve the so called defense strategy with Hizbullah whereby the military apparatus will be a part of the Lebanese army.
Q: That would be a main issue that will be discussed in November the 15th next session of the national dialogue. Do you have yourself any proposal to make during that session?
A: We have issued some proposals and some ideas. We have to discuss them at length under the presidency of Mr. Michel Suleiman. But our ultimate aim is that the decision of foreign peace should rest in the authority. We do appreciate what Hizbullah did but they can not stay like that endlessly without being incorporated officially into the Lebanese army. All the countries are like that.
Q: Can you give an idea of your proposals about the issue?
A: We proposed that there should be a special brigade under the order of the Lebanese army, incorporated in the Lebanese army, the Brigade of Resistance. We mention the example of Switzerland whereby every citizen is a soldier at the same time. We can have many issues but our basic aim is it that only the state is to defend Lebanon against any ‘Israeli' aggression in case of declaring war and peace.
Q: Concerning the extremists who are growing in number whether in Tripoli or in Palestinian refugee camps. You have previously cautioned against this. Now it is said in some reports that one of your very close allies is involved in financing these groups. What do you have to say about it?
A: This accusation is nonsense because Mr. Saad al-Hariri does represent the trend of moderation among the citizens. I do not see Mr. Hariri financing these extremists who are doing a lot of damage in Iraq, in Pakistan, in the world as a whole, and Lebanon. I do not believe this accusation.
To be continued...
Lebanon's Druze politician Walid Jumblatt has acknowledged that he was mistaken in verbally attacking Hizbullah at times of tension.
"In the moments of tension and moments of nervousness you can't say anything sometimes. We said so many bad things about Hizbullah about (Sayyed Hassan) Nasrallah, and also they said so many bad things about me, about Saad Hariri," Jumblatt said in an interview with Press TV.
The leader of Lebanon's Progressive Socialist Party also called for calm and unity ahead of the country's political elections.
"But, these were moments of terrible tension, terrible psychological and political tension. Tell me who ...does not somewhere go beyond certain limits. After all, we are all human. But lets go back now to calmness to seek our aims in a civilized way," he added.
In May, Jumblatt, who is aliened with the March 14 coalition, made several harsh comments against Hizbullah, fueling tensions that led to the country's worst internal clashes since the bloody 15-year-civil war (1975-1990).
Jumblatt said pro-government forces were ready to go to war with Hizbullah. He also accused the movement of planning to carry out a large scale attack on Beirut International Airport.
"It seems certain sides are monitoring (key) figures at present and the trend is to carry out a major security operation," Jumblatt was quoted by the ‘Israeli' daily Jerusalem Post as saying on May 2.
Four days later, the Lebanese cabinet removed Beirut International Airport security chief, Brig. Gen. Wafiq Shoukair, angering Hizbullah supporters who saw the decision as a sign of increasing Western influence in the country.
However, the conflict between supporters of opposition groups and the Western-backed government simmered down with the Doha agreement and the subsequent election of Michel Suleiman as president on May 25.
After the Doha deal, rival Lebanese groups formed a national unity government, allocating ministerial posts for both sides.
The following is an interview with Walid Jumblatt, the leader of Lebanon's Progressive Socialist Party:Source: Press TV, 20-10-2008
Q: Mr. Jumblatt, thank you very much for this opportunity. I would like to start with the latest developments concerning Syria and Lebanon, the establishment of diplomatic ties. What's your opinion concerning the step?
A: It's a very positive step, because it has been a long time demand from the Lebanese to have diplomatic relations with Syria. It has started when the two countries in 1943 and 1946 got their independence but we had never diplomatic relations. It has nothing to do with the [Syrian] regime. It is a long time demand from the Lebanese. We hope later on to develop these relations fruitfully for both countries and fix up normal ties between two independent countries.
Q: You said it has nothing to do with "the Syrian regime". Now do you think this regime has taken a positive step?
A: Yes it's good after all it comes out of the promise that President Basshar al- Assad gave to President Sarkozy. It was a question of at one time quarrel between us and Syria. Now it's settled and we hope later on to fix other issues, like demarcation of the borders, Shibaa, and to develop normal relations between the two sovereign countries.
Q: Let's assume "the Syrian regime" invites you for a visit, would you accept?
A: I don't think they would invite me after all I have said about the Syrian regime now I am not in a mood to go to Syria. Regardless of my position, the Lebanese-Syrian relationship should be normalized. Of course, there are so many obstacles one bye one. I think one day we will have normal issues between the two countries.
Q: Concerning your anticipated meeting with the head of the political Beauro of Hizbullah, Mr. Mohammad Raad, what stage have we reached concerning this meeting?
A: We spoke about it with the Druze Leader, Mr. Talal Arsalan. We spoke about meeting Mr. Mohammad Raad. At the same time, I told him we don't want them to anticipate the general meeting about national reconciliation headed by President Michel Suleiman. We have delayed it for the time being and also at the same time I am waiting for Mr. Hariri to meet Hassan Nasrallah. It would be better for everybody for the first step to be done by Mr. Hariri, and then I would follow.
Q: So you would say that any meeting with any Hizbullah official would be after the al-Hariri-Nasrallah meeting?
A: Sorry, we've already met several times with Hizbullah Leaders and representatives at the Lebanese dialogue in Mabda, but I mean it is just a question of time. There is no problem as for enhancing or forbidding this meeting.
Q: But it would be after the Nasrallah-Hariri meeting?
A: It would be better because the Hariri-Nasrallah meeting that is expected by all the Lebanese will defuse what is left of tension. I hope a new pact between Sunnis and Shiaa. It will prevent foreign, imperial powers. The foreign powers are willing to have a rift between the Sunnis and Shiaa in Lebanon, in Iraq and in everywhere. So I think this step would be a very positive step and later on, well, accordingly I will study the way also to follow up the reconciliation meetings that we have started and to enlarge it.
Q: Concerning the latest comments about Iran, you expressed your readiness for dialogue if Iran takes the initiative, now my question is are there any contacts between you and any Iranian official at any level?
A: No there has not been any contact from long time ago between me and the Iranians. The last time I had a contact was long time ago just after the assassination of Rafiq Hariri when I went to Tehran. At that time the president was Sayyed [Mohammad] Khatami and from that time the relations began to deteriorate.
Q: If Iran takes the initiative and send you an invitation would you be willing to go there to Tehran?
A: I would see it appropriately because for certain Lebanese, not all of them, they consider that the Iranian government is just dealing with one faction of Lebanese it is just better for any government to deal with all the Lebanese and with the state as the state.
Q: Concerning that issues Iran previously proposed to give economic and military aid to the Lebanese state.
A: Well it would be very positive if the Iranian government is ready to arm and give military aid to the Lebanese army; why not? For the economic aid I do not know. Iran is a rich country and we can benefit from normal economic exchanges.
Q: So you would support Iranian military aid to the Lebanese state?
A: I would support any aid coming to help the Lebanese army because now we are doing our best to re-arm the Lebanese army to have better weapons but still it is quiet slow. I would support any help. I have said that publicly, there is no problem.
Q: With respect to arming the Lebanese army I am sure that you noticed the headlines today concerning a US-Lebanese agreement for automotive grenade launchers. The deal singed between the US Under-Secretary of Defense, Eric Edelman, and the Lebanese Chief of the army, Brigadier General Jean Kahwaji for the army. Do you think such military assistance is sufficient enough?
A: Well from any part of this world any help to the Lebanese army is positive. You have to remember that 80 percent of the Lebanese army equipments are from the US. So we have a kind of connection and collaboration with the Americans. There is no problem if it comes from somewhere else, from the Russians, the Iranians, or the French. We also have French equipment. There is no problem as long as these weapons are to the central authority, the Lebanese army.
Q: But you would agree with me that Israel is limiting the quality of the military equipment which we are receiving
A: Well the pretext of some people outside Lebanon, in the Western Spheres and Western circles as well that say we are not going to give the Lebanese army weapons that could one day deter the Israelis. Well this is ridiculous regarding that these weapons will do its duty to defend the Lebanese territory.
Q: I want to speak about your comments against the visit of Michel Aoun to Tehran. You said it makes Lebanon look like being a part of an axis. But one of your allies visited another country which is Egypt which is also considered part of an axis?
A: Let me tell you frankly, the difference between Iran and Egypt is that the Iranian due to ideological, religious, and political reasons they have military and political extension inside Lebanon, of course Hizbullah. I don't think that the Egyptians have the same extension in Lebanon. The Egyptians as all the Arab countries do have adequate relations with Lebanon but not the limitary extension. We hope that later on we can achieve the so called defense strategy with Hizbullah whereby the military apparatus will be a part of the Lebanese army.
Q: That would be a main issue that will be discussed in November the 15th next session of the national dialogue. Do you have yourself any proposal to make during that session?
A: We have issued some proposals and some ideas. We have to discuss them at length under the presidency of Mr. Michel Suleiman. But our ultimate aim is that the decision of foreign peace should rest in the authority. We do appreciate what Hizbullah did but they can not stay like that endlessly without being incorporated officially into the Lebanese army. All the countries are like that.
Q: Can you give an idea of your proposals about the issue?
A: We proposed that there should be a special brigade under the order of the Lebanese army, incorporated in the Lebanese army, the Brigade of Resistance. We mention the example of Switzerland whereby every citizen is a soldier at the same time. We can have many issues but our basic aim is it that only the state is to defend Lebanon against any ‘Israeli' aggression in case of declaring war and peace.
Q: Concerning the extremists who are growing in number whether in Tripoli or in Palestinian refugee camps. You have previously cautioned against this. Now it is said in some reports that one of your very close allies is involved in financing these groups. What do you have to say about it?
A: This accusation is nonsense because Mr. Saad al-Hariri does represent the trend of moderation among the citizens. I do not see Mr. Hariri financing these extremists who are doing a lot of damage in Iraq, in Pakistan, in the world as a whole, and Lebanon. I do not believe this accusation.
To be continued...
