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Dubai: Political leaders in Lebanon had a mixed reaction to the remarks of Abdul Halim Khaddam, former Syrian vice-president, in which he severely criticised the Syrian regime. In statements carried by Al Jazeera website, Waleed Junblatt, head of the Progressive Socialist Party of Lebanon, and the most prominent leader of the Druze community, defended what he considered 'the patriotism' of Khaddam". He praised "Khaddam for his stand towards Lebanon, his role in enhancing [Lebanese] unity and his distinguished relationship with Hariri". Junblatt also said Khaddam's declarations "proved the credibility of the international investigation in Hariri's assassination".
General Michel Aoun, head of the Free Patriotic Movement Party, considered Khaddam's declarations a "testimony to the validity of the international investigation into the assassination of Hariri". Lebanese communications minister Marwan Hamadeh said the results of Khaddam's speech will be seen in January. Suleiman Franjieh, Lebanese minister and former MP, however, condemned Khaddam's declarations, saying Khaddam committed "treason to his country for a few dollars". Lebanese newspapers also reacted differently. "Khaddam unveils the secrets of Hariri's assassination," Lebanon's liberal newspaper An-Nahar wrote. But pro-Damascus paper Ad-Diyar charged: "Syria's Judas has pocketed $30 million and ... (became) an informer for outgoing UN probe chief."
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