Jumblat Rejects Claims that Iranian Embassy Bombing Linked to Hizbullah's Fighting in Syria
Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat rejected on Monday claims by the March 14 camp that the Iranian embassy bombing in Beirut last week is linked to Hizbullah's fighting in Syria.
He said in his weekly editorial in the PSP-affiliated al-Anbaa website: “It is a wrong connection especially since those sides have absolutely no control over the so-called takfiri groups.”
“Those who invented the takfiri mentality have now turned against it and we warn against getting involved in debates over this sensitive issue,” he added.
On this note, he stressed the need to strengthen coordination between security agencies in light of growing indications that al-Qaida members had infiltrated Lebanon and in light of the unprecedented deterioration on the security and political levels given the severe political divide.
Twenty-five people were killed and over 140 wounded in twin bombings near the Iranian embassy in Beirut last week.
An al-Qaida affiliated group, the Abdullah Azzam Brigades, claimed responsibility for the attack, saying that it was aimed at pressuring Iran ally Hizbullah to withdraw its fighters from Syria.
Commenting on the deal between Iran and world powers over Tehran's nuclear program, Jumblat hoped that this development will lead to Arab-Iranian dialogue that may end the “cycle of violence that has started to take on a sectarian path.”
“We hope that the agreement may help put an end to any possible Israeli wars in the Arab world and that it may halt the arms race in the region,” he continued.
Iran and world powers reached an agreement on Sunday over its nuclear program.
Tehran agreed that it will not enrich uranium over five percent for the six-month period and will neutralize its entire stockpile of uranium enriched to 20 percent, which is close to weapons-grade and therefore an area of top concern.
In return, the EU and United States will suspend sanctions on Iran's petrochemical exports and gold and precious metals sector.
U.S. trade restrictions on the country's auto industry will also be suspended.
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