Jumblatt to Allies: Take My Seat If You Want!

The head of the Democratic Gathering MP Walid Jumblatt commented on the recent stances regarding election candidates by saying "let them take my parliamentary seat if they want to," in reference to his allies.

"We accept diversity for the sake of the March 14 as an alliance. Future Movement and the Lebanese Forces are essential parties in the alliance, but there are too many candidates," he emphasized. "If they want to take my place and share, I don't mind," he added sarcastically.

The controversial issue is related to the MP Nabil al-Boustani's parliamentary seat. Boustani has been known recently to be ill, candidates are taking advantage of this situation in trying to fill his seat.

Jumblatt reminded everyone that MP Boustani is still around and very alive.

During his tour of the al-Kharoub region on Saturday Jumblatt said that March 14 Forces shall run in the elections as a single hand, he added that he had heard of some nominations via "asphalt bulldozers" - meaning through political favors made to gain voters support that include paving roads.

Jumblatt was keen to point that all arms would be in the hands of the Lebanese state one day. He paid high tribute to President Michel Suleiman for effectively leading the national dialogue sessions.

He also called for ending all internal issues, mostly that of the Council of the South. Jumblatt denied press stories that he was harassed recently during his participation at the funeral of attorney Sanan Baraj at the Bashoura.