Jumblat Urges IS to 'Appreciate' His Stance, Says Won't Give Up Efforts for 'Swap Deal'

Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat responded Friday to a threat from the Islamic State group that held him along with two other top Lebanese leaders responsible for the possible execution of three of the captive Lebanese servicemen.

“We have not and will not give up the mediation role, according to the principle of a swap deal, under any circumstances,” Jumblat said on his official Twitter account, citing the IS' threat that was announced in a video message.

“I do not understand the accusation of the Islamic State's representative regarding France or parties other than France … We have nothing to do with what others are doing or saying,” Jumblat added.

“I'm not saying this to offend (al-Mustaqbal movement leader) Saad Hariri or (Lebanese Forces chief) Samir Geagea,” the PSP leader went on to say, referring to the two other leaders who were described in the IS' video as “the allies of France in Lebanon.”

Jumblat noted that his close aide, Health Minister Wael Abou Faour, “has exerted efforts and will continue to do so according to the approach of a swap deal, away from the calculations of the others.”

“I hope the Islamic State will appreciate this stance,” Jumblat added.

The IS' threat was made in a video distributed by a Salafist cleric, Sheikh Wissam al-Masri, who is mediating the release of 25 policemen and soldiers held by IS and the Syrian branch of al-Qaida the al-Nusra Front.

Four hostages have already been executed by the two groups. The men were kidnapped during August clashes between the jihadists and the Lebanese army in and around the northeastern border town of Arsal.

The speaker in the video attacked the three politicians for what he said is their support for Hizbullah, whose fighters are aiding Syrian President Bashar Assad in the civil war against largely Sunni Muslim rebels that include IS.

"You are certainly criminals, but you have added to your crimes today by your collaboration with Hizbullah and your transformation of the Lebanese army into a mere puppet in the hands of Hizbullah, with which it oppresses Sunnis," he says.

The jihadists of the IS and al-Nusra have demanded that Islamist prisoners held in Lebanese jails be released in exchange for the hostages.

Y.R.