Walid Jumblatt, Lebanese Druze leader, warns Druze communities in Syria to resist foreign interference and division. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining Arab and Islamic identity while opposing Israeli outreach. Jumblatt announced the end of annual commemorations for his father’s assassination, citing justice served with a recent arrest linked to the case. His speech advocated for unity in Lebanon, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, and a reconsideration of Lebanese-Syrian relations.
Walid Jumblatt, the prominent Lebanese Druze leader, has cautioned Druze communities in Syria to remain vigilant against foreign influences that may seek to disrupt the unity of the nation. Speaking at a ceremony in Mukhtara commemorating the 48th anniversary of his father, Kamal Jumblatt’s, assassination, he emphasized the need for Syrian Druze to uphold their historical resistances and maintain their Arab and Islamic identity as reported by The New Arab.
During his address, Jumblatt appealed to the Druze of Syria to support their collective struggle alongside Syrian and Arab citizens against “occupation, colonialism, and mandates imposed on the Golan.” He urged them to protect their Islamic heritage, remain cautious of possible “Zionist infiltration,” and ensure they do not become instruments of Syria’s division.
Jumblatt’s remarks were made against a backdrop of rising concerns regarding Israeli efforts to engage with the Syrian Druze, which have drawn criticism from various regional authorities. Coinciding with these comments, Jumblatt announced the cessation of the annual commemoration of his father’s assassination, marking a significant shift for the Progressive Socialist Party.
He noted that “justice has finally been served,” alluding to the recent capture of Ibrahim Huwayja, the former Syrian Air Force Intelligence Chief, for who Jumblatt holds responsibility for his father’s death. Jumblatt reiterated his party’s commitment to Lebanon’s unity and its Arab identity, calling for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.
Moreover, he stressed the necessity of demarcating the maritime and land borders between Lebanon and Syria, advocating for a restructured relationship between the two nations. Additionally, he criticized a historic visit by a group of around 100 Syrian Druze leaders to Israel, referring to it as symbolic, and underscoring that “a visit, religious or otherwise, will not change the fact of occupation in Palestine and the Golan Heights.”
In conclusion, Walid Jumblatt’s remarks highlight a critical stance against foreign interference in Syria, advocating for the preservation of unity among Druze communities and their cultural identity. His call to resist divisions and external influences reflects ongoing regional tensions, while reaffirming his commitment to Lebanon’s integrity and relations with Syria. The implications of foreign engagement, particularly with Israel, remain a significant concern.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
