Walid Jumblatt warns Syrian Druze against foreign influence and division in the context of a ceremony marking his father’s assassination. He urged the preservation of their Arab and Islamic identity while critiquing recent Israeli outreach efforts. His remarks coincided with a decision to discontinue annual commemorations and underscored the need for Lebanese unity.
Walid Jumblatt, the Lebanese Druze leader, has issued a warning to Druze communities in Syria regarding the necessity to be vigilant against foreign interference. He urged these communities to resist efforts aimed at dividing Syria and to avoid manipulation in their regional role. His remarks were made during a ceremony in Mukhtara commemorating the 48th anniversary of his father’s assassination.
Jumblatt called on the Syrian Druze to uphold their historical resilience and maintain their Arab and Islamic identity. He emphasized the importance of defending their collective struggle alongside Syrian and Arab allies against “occupation, colonialism, and mandates imposed on the Golan.” Furthermore, he urged them to protect their Islamic heritage and to remain cautious of the potential for “Zionist infiltration” that could lead to divisiveness in Syria.
The context of Jumblatt’s warnings comes amidst rising concerns regarding an increased Israeli outreach towards the Syrian Druze, which has drawn criticism from various regional figures. Notably, Jumblatt declared the discontinuation of the annual commemoration of his father’s assassination, linking this decision to the arrest of Ibrahim Huwayja, the former Syrian Air Force Intelligence Chief, for his role in the assassination.
In his address, Jumblatt reaffirmed the Progressive Socialist Party’s (PSP) commitment to a unified Lebanon with a strong Arab identity. He reiterated calls for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and highlighted the need for new foundational relations between Lebanon and Syria, including the demarcation of borders.
Additionally, he expressed disapproval of a recent delegation of approximately 100 Syrian Druze leaders visiting Israel, marking the first such event in over half a century. Jumblatt dismissed the visit as largely symbolic, stating 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 advised Syrian Druze communities to be alert against foreign influence and manipulation. Emphasizing solidarity with the broader Arab populace, Jumblatt also reaffirmed his commitment to Lebanese unity and condemned foreign outreach. His statements reflect ongoing geopolitical tensions and the importance of maintaining cultural and national integrity within the Druze community.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
