Jumblat: International and Arab Powers Have no Time for Lebanon, Better Elect a President

Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat stated that International and Arab powers have no time to address Lebanon's needs, as he emphasized the necessity to reduce the pressure on Lebanon's security and economic situations through the election of a president which would bring about a positive shock that reactivates the institutions, As Safir daily reported on Monday.

“The presence of a president leads to the reactivation of the situation and triggers a positive impact to the country and reopens the institutions without exception,” said Jumblat in an interview to the daily.

However, he added: “I believe that the issue of the presidency is postponed in accordance with the circumstances at the current moment particularly that no (country) one has the time for us.”

On the adamant stances of Hizbullah and its adherence to the nomination of founder of the Free Patriotic Movement MP Michel Aoun, Jumblat said: “I respect Hizbullah's proclaimed choice and adherence to nominating General Aoun, but I wonder if the hidden intentions are something else!”

Jumblat highlighted the proposal to bring al-Mustaqbal Movement chief ex-PM Saad Hariri as Premier, he remarked that any alternative to Hariri is going to be “radical”, he said: “All parties including Hizbullah have a national interest to protect the option of moderation which is represented by Hariri.”

On Speaker Nabih Berri's adherence to call bickering political parties for the national dialogue sessions, the PSP leader pointed out: “Berri's adherence to national dialogue does not stem from void. The man confirms in each session on the Taif accord, perhaps because he has become aware that a certain reality must change one day .. I do not know how some Christians look at the issue, but i fear that some suggestions could take the Christians to triplicity instead of parity.”

“If some believe that the Taif accord is no longer viable, and they are wrong to believe so, what would be the alternative then?” asked Jumblat.

He went on to say: “In Doha, there was a western and an international resolution to elect Michel Suleiman as president, then came the Doha agreement as the result of an international and Arab push .. Today no one has the time for us and if we overthrow what we already have, we will be facing the unknown.”