
Jumblat says PSP handed over arms, calls other parties to follow suit
Former Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat said the PSP has handed over its "light and medium" arms to the state three weeks ago, urging all other parties to do the same.
Jumblat called Thursday on all Lebanese and non-Lebanese parties to hand over their arms, saying that "a new chapter has been opened in the Middle East".
He added that it is not by attacking Hezbollah with statements that disarmament must be done, a hint that other parties must disarm as well in a message to Hezbollah instead of attacking the group.
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Ya Libnan
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