Jumblatt: "we don't need the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, because foreign powers are steering the tribunal in the direction they want"

Sunday 3 October 2010

Jumblatt: "we don't need the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, because foreign powers are steering the tribunal in the direction they want"

Via Friday-Lunch-Club

"... Jumblat: Heavy Clouds Looming over Lebanon, Let Those behind Thoughtless Rhetoric Shut Up

Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat on Sunday stressed that "we don't need the Special Tribunal for Lebanon if blood is going to be shed for its sake."

Jumblat reiterated that "unveiling the truth behind false witnesses is the gateway towards knowing who murdered ex-PM Rafik Hariri."

During a tour of the Mount Lebanon area of Aley, the Druze leader wondered "who said that there are no false witnesses behind accusing Hizbullah of assassinating Hariri," warning of "heavy clouds looming over Lebanon."

Jumblat noted that the Democratic Gathering he heads would mull its position on the financing of the tribunal if the issue was raised, adding that the gathering comprises independent MPs and lawmakers who abide by the decision of the PSP.

He said that U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon might find other sources for financing the STL.

Jumblat lashed out at those behind the "thoughtless rhetoric", asking them to "shut up" and stressing that he rejects "an armed conflict for the sake of justice."

He called for working together with Prime Minister Saad Hariri and Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah "in order to thwart civil strife," noting that foreign powers "are steering the tribunal in the direction they want, and now it seems they're steering it towards civil strife."

The Druze leader stressed "the importance of political awareness," urging his partisans not to be dragged into any furor "because it would destroy us along with Lebanon."..."