Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblatt speaks about the Special Tribunal for Lebanon during a Friday press conference. (NOW Lebanon)
“Stability and civil peace are just as important as justice,” Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblatt said in a Friday press conference on the Special Tribunal for Lebanon’s (STL) indictment.
He called on all political parties to avoid increasing tension, adding that the cabinet, judicial authorities and security forces should be left to perform their duties.
Jumblatt cited former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri’s statement that “no is bigger than his country,” adding that the slain former PM was concerned about Lebanon’s stability.
“Today, we [recall] Hariri’s statement because it applies to our current situation.”
Jumblatt also said that debates through media outlets may cause tension, adding that dialogue is necessary to resolve issues.
“I think my message that political rhetoric should be wise is clear. We should not [transform] Lebanon into an arena to settle regional and international accounts.”
“We are surprised that the indictment was released when the cabinet was formed,” he added.
He also said that the indictment‘s content matches the information previously leaked from the tribunal.
Accusations against individuals are not an indictment against a party or sect, the PSP leader added.
The STL said in a statement published on its website that the indictment and accompanying arrest warrants were transmitted to the Lebanese authorities on Thursday.
Interior Minister Marwan Charbel confirmed Friday that Hezbollah members Mustafa Badreddine, Salim Ayyash, Assad Sabra, Hussein Anaissi were all indicted by the STL for the 2005 assassination of Rafik Hariri.
Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s cabinet was formed on June 13, and its ministers agreed upon the government’s ministerial statement on June 30.
He called on all political parties to avoid increasing tension, adding that the cabinet, judicial authorities and security forces should be left to perform their duties.
Jumblatt cited former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri’s statement that “no is bigger than his country,” adding that the slain former PM was concerned about Lebanon’s stability.
“Today, we [recall] Hariri’s statement because it applies to our current situation.”
Jumblatt also said that debates through media outlets may cause tension, adding that dialogue is necessary to resolve issues.
“I think my message that political rhetoric should be wise is clear. We should not [transform] Lebanon into an arena to settle regional and international accounts.”
“We are surprised that the indictment was released when the cabinet was formed,” he added.
He also said that the indictment‘s content matches the information previously leaked from the tribunal.
Accusations against individuals are not an indictment against a party or sect, the PSP leader added.
The STL said in a statement published on its website that the indictment and accompanying arrest warrants were transmitted to the Lebanese authorities on Thursday.
Interior Minister Marwan Charbel confirmed Friday that Hezbollah members Mustafa Badreddine, Salim Ayyash, Assad Sabra, Hussein Anaissi were all indicted by the STL for the 2005 assassination of Rafik Hariri.
Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s cabinet was formed on June 13, and its ministers agreed upon the government’s ministerial statement on June 30.
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