Jumblat for Wider Arab Initiative

by **Admin** Mon Mar 17, 2008 9:30 am

Druze leader Walid Jumblat has called for a wider Arab initiative that deals with the establishment of diplomatic relations with Syria, the demarcation of the border and the issue of Hizbullah's arms.

"The Arab initiative is incomplete. It should have taken into consideration the clauses" that Lebanese leaders had unanimously agreed upon during the national dialogue before its collapse in the summer of 2006, Jumblat told Future News Television Sunday night.

There should be "a new Arab initiative," he said.

The thee-point Arab plan calls for the election of Army Chief Gen. Michel Suleiman president, the formation of a national unity cabinet and the adoption of a new electoral law.

Jumblat said the establishment of diplomatic ties with Damascus, the demarcation of the common border, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon that will try ex-Premier Rafik Hariri's suspected assassins and the thorny issue of Hizbullah's weapons must all be part of the new initiative.

"Let's start a serious discussion on the dialogue table and let the Arab League sponsor" the talks, the Progressive Socialist Party leader said.

Jumblat reiterated that Lebanon should boycott the upcoming Arab summit in Damascus.

"How could we go to Damascus when it (Syria) and its allies in Lebanon prevented us from electing a new president," he wondered.

He also told the TV network for the second day in a row that the ministers who represent his bloc in the cabinet will veto a decision to participate in the March 29-30 summit.

"Even if Arab leaders attend the summit, Lebanon should not attend," Jumblat stressed.

He said it was imperative "to remain steadfast against the war that the Syrian regime is waging on Lebanon."
The March 14 majority alliance will soon hold a meeting "to discuss the issue of expanding or overhauling the government," he said.