Latest news with #KamalJumblatt
National News
22-03-2025
- Politics
- National News
Taymour Jumblatt: Adhering to cea sefire resolution, implementing 1701 - the path to preventing Lebanon from being pushed into war furnace
NNA - Progressive Socialist Party head, MP Taymour Jumblatt, believed that "adherence to the ceasefire agreement and the implementation of Resolution 1701 are the only ways to avoid new military conflicts that could push Lebanon back into the throes of war." "This requires an Israeli withdrawal from the points where it remains stationed, so that the state can fully assert its authority," Jumblatt added, emphasizing that the state alone is capable of preventing any security breaches and disruption of the fragile stability in the south. He condemned Israel's continued violations against Lebanon, hoping that the government would "follow through on the steps initiated by the presidency, in terms of strengthening state institutions that guarantee the rights of all Lebanese." Jumblatt's words came during a joint meeting at Al-Mukhtara Palace of the Democratic Gathering and the Progressive Socialist Party's internal representatives, devoted to discussing the general situation, regional and party affairs, and upcoming elections. Attending the meeting were: MPs Marwan Hamadeh, Akram Shehayeb, Bilal Abdallah, Raji Al-Saad, Hadi Abu Al-Hassan, Wael Abu Faour, and PSP's Secretary General Dhafer Nasser, MP Jumblatt's advisor Hussam Harb, and various partisans. On another note, MP Jumblatt received today a delegation from the Independence Movement, headed by MP Michel Moawad, who came to mark the 48th anniversary of the martyrdom of leader Kamal Jumblatt. The visit was in the presence of Democratic Gathering MPs and officials, with talks touching on the general political situation. The delegation then moved to lay a floral wreath on the tomb of Martyr Kamal Jumblatt. In a word of tribute and respect, Moawad said: "We came today to Al-Mukhtara with our friend and former MP Jawad Boulos and a delegation of Independence Movement cadres on this anniversary, which concerns us all: the anniversary of the assassination of leader Kamal Jumblatt. It is, first and foremost, a natural visit, because what connects us to Al-Mukhtara is a relationship that transcends any political consideration, a relationship of martyrdom and a relationship of blood, for the assassination of Kamal Jumblatt laid the foundation for a period of occupation and Syrian guardianship, which expanded with the assassination of President Rene Moawad, leading to the assassination of March 14 figures and Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. At that time, we revolted to expel the Syrians from Lebanon." He added, "This year's anniversary has a special flavor, the flavor of the prevalence of justice with the fall of the Assad regime, the arrest of the person directly responsible for carrying out the assassination of Kamal Jumblatt, and many other incidents that Lebanon has witnessed..." "Today we remember, and at the same time, we stand up for justice," Moawad underlined. It is to note that Jumblatt also met on Saturday with MP Nadim Gemayel, who visited Al-Mukhtara accompanied by a delegation, where they also laid a floral wreath on the shrine of Martyr Kamal Jumblatt. ============
LBCI
17-03-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Progressive Socialist Party expresses gratitude on Kamal Jumblatt's 48th memorial, pledges to continue the struggle
The Progressive Socialist Party expressed its "deepest gratitude to all those who participated in the 48th anniversary of the martyrdom of leader Kamal Jumblatt, an exceptional occasion marking the fall of a regime of murderers and tyrants and the triumph of historical justice." In a statement, the party highly appreciated "the loyalty demonstrated by participants from across Lebanon and the commitment that reflects the refinement and respect for the legacy of the martyred leader." It also apologized "for the hardship faced by some attendees who had to walk to the event venue and to those unable to reach it due to heavy traffic," while expressing "great respect for the widespread national, official, political, and public solidarity with the commemoration." The statement added: "In light of this significant day and with the belief that the duty of history requires working toward a better future, the Progressive Socialist Party pledges to its supporters and all Lebanese to continue the struggle for a free citizen and a happy people."
Asharq Al-Awsat
17-03-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Jumblatt Ends Annual Commemoration of His Father's Assassination after ‘Historic Justice Takes Course'
Former head of Lebanon Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) and Druze leader Walid Jumblatt announced on Sunday he was ending the annual commemoration of the assassination of his father, Kamal, 'after historic justice has taken its course.' Jumblatt had been holding the commemoration annually since his father was assassinated by the now ousted Syrian regime on March 16, 1977. Earlier this month, the new authorities in Syria announced the arrest of former chief of intelligence Ibrahim Huweija, who is accused of 'hundreds of assassinations' under the Assad regime. He had overseen Kamal Jumblatt's assassination. Politicians, Druze figures and supporters across Lebanon had gathered at Mokhtara on Sunday for the 48th anniversary of the assassination. Addressing the crowd, Jumblatt declared: 'For 48 years, we had gathered on March 16 to read the Fatiha and place a red rose on Kamal Jumblatt's grave and the grave of his companions Hafez al-Ghosseini and Fawzi Chedid. This was an occasion to forge ahead in defiance and confrontation.' 16 March 2025, Lebanon, Mokhtara: Lebanese Druze attend a ceremony to mark the 48th anniversary of the assassination of leader Kamal Jumblatt, father of Druze chief Walid Jumblatt in the village of Mokhtara. (dpa) 'During the worst of times, it was an occasion to remember and persevere, derive strength to continue living,' he added. 'Now, freedom shines in Syria at long last. The regime of oppression and injustice has collapsed after some 54 years. The Syrian people are free and the new authorities led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa have arrested the man behind Kamal Jumblatt's assassination,' he added. 'On behalf of my family and the PSP, I declare an end to the tradition of holding the commemoration given that historic justice has taken its course albeit after some time,' he stressed. Jumblatt said: 'Mokhtara is looking forward to a new chapter in struggle and defiance in new areas, not limited to, more humanitarian socialism as advocated by Kamal Jumblatt.' He underlined the historic reconciliation in Lebanon on August 3, 2001, that was sponsored by late Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir. The agreement lays the foundation for intra-Lebanese relations that rise above political divisions. He also underscored the importance of 'clinging on to Lebanon's Arab identity as promoted by major thinkers, writers, politicians and nationalists. This identity has been tarnished by regimes of oppression.' Jumblatt also stressed the need to liberate southern Lebanon from Israeli occupation, the demarcation of the border to protect Lebanese sovereignty, implementation of international resolutions, and the reconstruction of areas destroyed by the Israeli war on Hezbollah last year. Former head of the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) Walid Jumblatt (C) lays a flower on his father Kamal Jumblatt's grave during a ceremony to commemorate the 48th anniversary of his assassination in Mokhtara, Chouf Mountains, southeast of Beirut, Lebanon, 16 March 2025. (EPA) Moreover, he called for 'rebuilding Lebanese-Syrian relations on new foundations away from past experiences.' Turning to the Druze community, he urged them to 'maintain their Arab identity and protect their history of joint struggle with Arab and Syrian nationalists against colonization. Maintain your position in confronting the occupation of Arab territories in the Syrian Golan Heights.' Commenting on the visit by Syrian Druze clerics to Israel last week, he said: 'Religious visits do not negate the occupation of Palestine and the Golan.' He called on the Druze to 'preserve their Islamic heritage,' warning them against being influenced by Zionism. He also warned them against being manipulated 'to divide Syria and the rest of the region under the pretext of the alliance of minorities that was opposed by Kamal Jumblatt – a stance for which he paid for with his life.' At the end of his speech, Jumblatt declared: 'We were patient, persevered and were victorious.'
LBCI
16-03-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun honors Kamal Jumblatt on 48th anniversary of assassination
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun paid tribute to Kamal Jumblatt on the 48th anniversary of his assassination, hailing him as a great Lebanese leader, a steadfast advocate for Palestine, and a visionary thinker who left a lasting impact on the region and the world. "We remember today the passing of Kamal Jumblatt—a leader, a believer in the Palestinian cause, a thinker whose influence radiated across the region and beyond, and a martyr who gave his life for freedom and liberation from what he once called 'the great prison,'" Aoun said. He also recalled, as Walid Jumblatt did earlier in the day, the innocent victims from Lebanon and beyond who lost their lives unjustly in the wake of that brutal crime. Reflecting on the lessons of the past, Aoun stressed that the unity of Lebanon as a state remains the ultimate and only proper protection for its people.
Arab News
16-03-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Jumblatt calls on Syrian Druze to preserve their Arab identity
BEIRUT: Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt on Sunday warned Syrian Druze against foreign influence, urging them to resist Israeli approaches and protect their heritage. Jumblatt, former leader of the Progressive Socialist Party, was speaking on the 48th anniversary of the assassination of his father, and party founder, Kamal Jumblatt. He said that the arrest of Ibrahim Huweija — who was responsible for the assassination — by Syrian authorities a week ago 'represents historical justice taking its course, albeit after a while.' The commemoration of the 48th anniversary of Kamal Jumblatt's assassination took place on Sunday in Moukhtara, Jumblatt's political stronghold and the center of Druze leadership in Lebanon, Jumblatt urged Druze from Syria's Jabal Al-Arab region to defend their shared struggle with Syrian and Arab citizens against 'occupation, colonialism, and mandates imposed on the Golan Heights.' 'Safeguard your heritage and beware of being used by some to divide Syria under the banner of the 'alliance of minorities,' which Kamal Jumblatt opposed,' he said. The commemoration of the 48th anniversary of Kamal Jumblatt's assassination took place on Sunday in Moukhtara, Jumblatt's political stronghold and the center of Druze leadership in Lebanon, evolving into a significant and inclusive political gathering. On March 16 every year the Progressive Socialist Party gathers at Kamal Jumblatt's tomb, marking the anniversary of his assassination and those who were with him. His convoy was ambushed in Deir Dourite at a pivotal moment in Lebanese politics. Investigations determined that Ibrahim Huweija, a general in the ousted Syrian regime's army and a senior security officer, was responsible for the crime. According to the new Syrian authorities, Huweija is accused of 'committing war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the assassination of Jumblatt.' Jumblatt's speech on Sunday coincided with his announcement that the annual commemoration of his father's assassination would be discontinued after the arrest of its perpetrator. In his speech, Jumblatt said: 'For 48 years, we have gathered on March 16 to recite Al-Fatiha and place a red flower on Kamal Jumblatt's tomb. This occasion symbolizes our defiance and strength to remember, endure, and persevere. 'We have stood in reverence for the blood of the martyrs who fell treacherously on that fateful day. The Lebanese people will remember their sacrifices and the political legacy.' Jumblatt said that the Progressive Socialist Party looked forward to a new phase of struggle, challenges, and adherence to the most humane form of socialism. Jumblatt emphasized the party's position on recent developments, highlighting the need to end Israeli occupation in the south and establish borders under international resolutions to maintain sovereignty. He emphasized the need to reconstruct the south and other affected areas by establishing a reliable mechanism at both Arab and international levels. He also underlined the importance of 'rebuilding relations between Lebanon and Syria based on new principles. This includes clearly defining land and maritime borders, supporting legitimate Palestinian rights — particularly the two-state solution and the affirmation of the right of return — and upholding the ceasefire agreement.' Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov participated in the commemoration. Former French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin sent a message to Walid Jumblatt, acknowledging the 'void left by the assassination of his father.' He emphasized that his father was an advocate for peace in the Middle East, believing that true peace cannot be achieved without recognizing the Palestinians' right to establish their own state. In the meantime, the municipality of the border town of Houla released a statement condemning the ongoing Israeli attacks, especially in the eastern region of the town, where Israeli soldiers are digging a trench extending toward the Al-Abbad site. The municipality said that Israel's actions indicated an occupation beyond the five occupied heights. The municipality urged all relevant officials in the Lebanese government to take immediate action and exert pressure on the UN and the five-member committee responsible for overseeing the implementation of UN Resolution 1701. The goal is to prevent further aggression and to ensure the return of the occupied territories, it added. The appeal came as Israeli forces opened fire with bursts of machinegun fire and bombs from the Ruwaisat Al-Alam border site on the outskirts of Kafr Shuba late on Saturday and into Sunday. The forces also launched a military incursion into Odaisseh, occupying the town square for several hours before withdrawing. A security source reported that a Lebanese army motorized unit was sent from Taybeh to Odaisseh after the Israeli forces pulled out.
