Historic Relationship with Patriarch Sfeir Big Enough Not to be Exploited
“Democratic Gathering” leader MP Walid Jumblat said that experience has proved that "the relationship with Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir is big enough not to be exploited" by anyone.
In an interview with the weekly al-Anbaa newspaper Jumblat said: "This great man in his position and role is the first sponsor of the cedar revolution that returned hope to the Lebanese in enjoying state protection and in achieving their ambitions."
"We shall continue with the reconciliation process we started in the mountain with his eminence and all allied political forces. We shall work on protecting this reconciliation [process] in the future, because it has become deeply rooted and has succeeded in turning the page on a painful and hateful past," Jumblat said.
He referred to the fourth anniversary for the withdrawal of Syrian forces from Lebanon in saying that it is very important to remember the Taef accord.
"If this accord was well applied from the very beginning, bilateral relations would not have deteriorated [with Syria] as they did. We still hold on to the Taef, this accord calls for a distinguished relationship for both countries in a framework of mutual respect and independence," Jumblat said.
He touched on the issue of the defense strategy saying the issue is important for strengthening the state against Israeli aggression and almost daily violations particularly when the state is now uncovering Israeli espionage rings.
The Druze leader pointed that it is very important to turn to economic and social issues following the parliamentary elections next June saying real and daring deep rooted decisions are now needed in Lebanon.
He called on party supporters and friends to hold on to his father”s legacy saying it represented a wide horizon and far sightedness.