Jumblatt: League plan is the only way

Lebanese MP Walid Jumblatt, leader of the National Resistance Front, stated on Thursday that the Arab League deal was the only solution available to the Syrian crisis, reported the Russian news agency Novosti. Jumblatt was in Moscow where he met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. He warned that any alternative to the Arab deal would lead to further escalation and possibly foreign intervention, rejected by all concerned sides, saying: “The Syrian regime has to realise that and end the violence.” Following his meeting with Lavrov, Jumblatt said that Russia cooperated with Syria in several fields, adding that he “understands the conflicting international interests,” however, hoped that Syria was "biased to rightful demands". “Russia, as a friendly state, must understand the rightful demands of the people,” he indicated. “I discussed the importance of a political solution according to the Arab League plan”, Jumblatt said to LBC television later on Thursday, adding: “I know that we have entered violence and counter-violence in Syria, but Russia has to condemn the Syrian regime for the violence because it was the initiator.” He stressed the need to have a common US, Russian, Iranian, Turkish and Arab position for a solution to the Syrian crisis, adding that he was not authorised by the Syrian opposition to talk on its behalf. Russia has blocked western attempts to have the UN Security Council formally condemn Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad’s crackdown against anti-regime protests and impose stiff sanctions if he refuses to start direct talks.