Jumblat Urges Politicians to Engage in Dialogue, Steer Clear of Regional Conflicts

The National Struggle Front leader, MP Walid Jumblat, urged Lebanese officials to steer clear of regional conflicts and return to the dialogue table.

“It would be better to stay away from regional conflicts as much as possible and resume dialogue,” Jumblat told As Safir daily in remarks published Friday.

“This is the best way to limit political and economic and other damages and dangers,” he said.

The struggle between regional powers is not solved through speeches and counter attacks, Jumblat told the newspaper.

The Druze leader was referring to the war of words that erupted after Caretaker Premier Saad Hariri accused Iran of meddling in Lebanon's affairs and taking Arab societies "hostage."

His speech sparked a harsh rebuke from Tehran's ally, Hizbullah, which said Hariri's stance is in line with the U.S. plot to divide the people of the region.

Jumblat said only “calm dialogue” would solve the standoff between the two bickering sides.