Walid Jumblatt has urged Syrian Druze to remain vigilant against foreign interference, emphasizing unity and identity protection. He criticized recent Israeli engagement with Syrian Druze and declared the cessation of annual commemorations for his father’s assassination. Jumblatt calls for Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon and stresses the need for new bilateral relations between Lebanon and Syria.
Walid Jumblatt, the Lebanese Druze leader, has expressed his concerns regarding foreign influence in Syria, urging Druze communities to remain alert against manipulative tactics aimed at dividing the nation. At a ceremony in Mukhtara commemorating the 48th anniversary of his father Kamal Jumblatt’s assassination, he called for Syrian Druze to maintain their historical resistance and protect their Arab and Islamic heritage, as reported by The New Arab.
In his address to the Druze population in Syria, Jumblatt emphasized the importance of their shared struggles with Syrian and Arab citizens against “occupation, colonialism, and mandates imposed on the Golan.” He warned them to safeguard their Islamic heritage and be vigilant against potential “Zionist infiltration,” ensuring that no individual within their ranks serves to divide Syria.
His comments come amid rising concerns about increased Israeli engagement with Syrian Druze, which has drawn criticism from various regional leaders. Jumblatt’s address also included an announcement that the annual remembrance of his father’s assassination would be ceased, stating that “justice has finally been served, even if it took a long time,” following the arrest of Ibrahim Huwayja, who he blames for the assassination.
Throughout his speech, Jumblatt reiterated the Progressive Socialist Party’s commitment to Lebanese unity and Arab identity, calling for a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. He advocated for the reestablishment of Lebanon-Syria relations grounded on new principles while urging the demarcation of shared maritime and land borders.
Additionally, Jumblatt voiced his displeasure regarding a recent visit by approximately 100 Syrian Druze leaders to Israel, the first in 52 years. He characterized the visit as merely symbolic, asserting that “a visit, religious or otherwise, will not change the fact of occupation in Palestine and the Golan Heights.”
In summary, Walid Jumblatt has strongly cautioned Syrian Druze against foreign influence, advocating for unity and vigilance in protecting their identity and resisting external manipulation. He has declared a halt to the annual commemoration of his father’s assassination while expressing satisfaction over recent justice developments. His calls for Israeli withdrawal and criticism of recent diplomatic initiatives reflect a desire to establish new foundations for Lebanese and Syrian relations.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
