Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat questioned on Friday the timing of the release of the indictment in the investigation into the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, noting that it took place soon after the formation of the new government.
He said during a press conference at his Clemenceau residence: “The decision to release the indictment was political.”
“Its contents are similar to the media leaks that had been revealed in the past and we should therefore exercise vigilance in this upcoming phase in Lebanon,” he stated.
“The government policy statement was clear in stipulating its commitment to cooperating with the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, contradicting the opposition’s statements of the contrary,” he added.
“Justice requires us to avoid falling into the trap of international agendas, similar to what happened in the past,” he warned.
As much as justice is the only retribution for all martyrs and victims, civil peace is more important than all other matters, the MP declared.
He reiterated former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri’s statement that “no one is greater than their country”, saying that this should be the slogan of the upcoming phase in Lebanon.
“He was committed to coexistence, peace, and national unity without discriminating between the Lebanese,” Jumblat said.
“Had he been alive today, he would have adopted this approach to avoid leading the country towards strife,” the PSP leader stressed.
On the indictment, the MP noted that it did not name parties or sects involved in Hariri’s assassination.
“Had it done so, it would have targeted peace and Islamic unity in Lebanon and the whole region,” he said.
“The slain premier would not have wanted to achieve justice through tensions, divisions, and falling victim to international agendas, which I was the first to warn of,” he continued.
“Civil peace is more important than all other matters and dialogue is the only way to avert strife and tensions,” Jumblat remarked.
In addition, he said that the major regional changes require the Lebanese to unite to confront all possible repercussions the developments may have on the country.
“Let the government, judiciary, and security institutions perform their duties,” he said.
“I believe that the government policy statement called for dialogue and there can be no escaping it,” the MP concluded.
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