Jumblat: I Will Add the Syrian Lawsuit to the File I Have

Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat stated sarcastically on Friday that he will add the Syrian summons issued against him Thursday to the "folder" of Syrian judicial suits he already has.

He humorously added that he will then distribute them to his friends.

“I will be waiting for the list of expenses resulting from the lawsuit filed against me to pay my dues, just like good manners compel us to. I will not forget to add this suit to the file I already have to distribute on friends for free,” said the MP in a statement.

“I received the Syrian summons accusing me of undermining the authority of the Syrian state. I have to say that I have never planned to undermine the authority which must be maintained and protected from collapse,” added Jumblat.

“I have always called for implementing the Geneva accord and for engaging in a political solution in a bid to protect Syria's unity and what is left of it. The Syrian regime went too far in killing and displacing millions inside and outside Syria, through arbitrary arrests of hundreds of thousands whose fate is unknown,” he stated.

The PSP chief concluded: “Until this moment we still call for a political solution to protect the state's structure and prevent Syria from division. This can only be achieved through a transitional stage for Syria's sake and after suing the murderers, terrorists and killers, releasing of thousands of detainees and determining the fate of those who were forcibly hidden.”

A Syrian court has issued summons for two Lebanese anti-Damascus figures, including Jumblat and journalist Fares Khashan.

The summons was issued by the criminal court in Syria. They are being called for a session on June 1 for questioning.

They are accused of undermining the authority of the Syrian state, reports said.

Jumblat is a leading anti-Damascus figure, while Khashan writes analysis pieces critical of Syria.

The summons are not expected to be heeded.

Syria dominated Lebanon politically and militarily for 30 years until 2005. Today, Lebanon is deeply divided over the conflict in the neighboring country.

D.A.

M.T.