Jumblat Urges Preserving Beirut's Heritage, Warns of Destruction Price in Arab World

Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat called on Monday for preserving the cultural heritage of Beirut, noting also that the price for destruction in the Arab world is very high.

"If reports saying that the plan to demolish the Massad Stairs (in the Beirut neighborhood of Mar Mikhael) has been canceled, then this is good news for Beirut's heritage that is gradually getting extinct,” Jumblat said in his weekly editorial in the PSP-affiliated al-Anbaa website.

He added: “What about the Fouad Boutros Bridge project that could lead to the destruction of several old buildings in (the Beirut neighborhood of) Ashrafieh?”

"This plan is totally rejected and the residents of the area must be consulted about it.”

Jumblat continued: "We also hope that the controversial plan to transform the St. Joseph garden to a garage is dismissed and that al-Sanayeh public garden restores the beautiful features it had before restoration efforts took place, especially since it represents the last landmarks of Ottoman heritage, in addition to Arab, Islamic, Byzantine and Phoenician cultures.”

Beirut municipality chief Bilal Hamad stated in Tuesday that no decision has been issued to demolish any construction in Beirut, such as the Massad Stairs.

Tackling the regional turmoil, the PSP leader warned that the price to be paid for crises in neighboring countries is higher than the expenses dedicated to construction, development and supporting stability.

"We lament that competitive regional politics do not pay attention to main issues that matter to Arabs,” he said.

"People are looking for basic demands to secure a living, rather than being interested in these political strategies,” he added.

Noting that regional countries “have the right to strike deals that are perceived to serve their national interests,” Jumblat, however, pointed out that looking at the situation in Iraq, Syria and Egypt “makes us wonder about their fate, especially with the intensification of the sectarian conflicts, violence and crimes.”