Druze leader hails Iran support

Leader of Lebanon’s Druze community has hailed Iran as a longtime partner, which has always supported the country and criticized US policies in the Middle East.

“Iran provided Lebanon with substantial aid even during the 33-day war with Israel in 2006,” Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat said.

“[Iranian President Mahmoud] Ahmadinejad deems Lebanon’s integrity and independence as a vital necessity in the region,” Jumblat told IRNA in an exclusive interview published on Saturday.

This is because disturbing the balance in Lebanon could have repercussions for the whole region, the Lebanese politician added.

The Iranian chief executive visited Lebanon in October where he was warmly received by the Lebanese political factions and people.

Jumblat went on to say that the Obama administration and its stance on regional and global incidents have proven that the Zionist lobby in the United States is keen on preventing the establishment of “complete and comprehensive peace” in the Middle East.
The Druze leader criticized the US for pursuing what he called a policy of sowing “discord” and creating “turmoil.”

He accused Israel of being in pursuit of the “Judaization of the rest of the Palestinian territories” and changing the true face of Palestine.

Jumblat went on to stress that it was necessary for Beirut to enhance its military capabilities “unconditionally” with the help of countries like Iran.