Former head of the Progressive Socialist Party in Lebanon, Walid Jumblatt, affirmed his solidarity with Moscow in facing the expansion of NATO towards Russia, emphasizing the importance of respecting the Minsk agreements. Jumblatt stated to Russia Today, "I have come at this sensitive time when the world appears to be in a new cold or hot war, which undermines all United Nations principles, in solidarity with the Russian Federation against this expansion of the NATO alliance towards Russia," stressing the need to respect the Minsk agreements, halt the war, and prevent some countries from joining NATO that surrounds Russia.
Jumblatt added, "The Soviet Union and the Russian people have many merits towards Lebanon, the people of the mountain, and the Arabism of Lebanon, in addition to the abolishment of the May 17 Agreement, as well as scholarships and training. I cannot forget this rich past that allowed Mukhtara to exist, and the people of the mountain to be in good health."
He continued, "Among the points discussed with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is that a great lie has emerged from Western circles regarding the two-state solution, and my stance was clear and aligned with Lavrov's position."
In response to a question, Jumblatt said, "We want and agree on the implementation of Resolution 1701, but this implementation can only occur through an agreement between Hezbollah and Lebanese forces, and through the state, enhancing the Lebanese army to fill the vacuum in this region, provided that we apply the same measures to Israel."
Jumblatt added, "Hezbollah and the Islamic Republic are not inclined to expand the war, but we must question the other side, namely Israel and all those who support it, particularly the West and the United States."
When asked about Hezbollah's lack of expansion in the war to facilitate Sleiman Frangieh's arrival in Baabda, Jumblatt replied, "I have not heard about this matter, and it does not concern me as I am speaking as an observer from afar, and what the Democratic Gathering and political forces decide by consensus is their affair, not mine." He noted that "the relationship with Hezbollah is positive as it is with any Lebanese or non-Lebanese faction that resists Israel."
He further stated, "My position is consistent and clear, which is to avoid dragging Lebanon into a large-scale war, to implement Resolution 1701, and to return to the ceasefire agreement by all parties, which would save Lebanon a lot."
He added, "We hope that the role of Arab states with Russia and the United States will lead to a ceasefire in Gaza at the United Nations." Jumblatt emphasized that "the Iranian-Saudi meeting is positive as it has reduced Iranian-Saudi tensions, and we hope it results in better relationships that extend from Yemen to Lebanon."
