Lebanon's Jumblatt expects more assassinations

BEIRUT, Nov 22 (Reuters) Anti-Syrian Druze leader Walid Jumblatt today blamed Syria for the asssassination of Lebanon's Industry Minister and said he expected more such killings aimed at undermining parliament's ruling majority.

''We have to expect, and this is my impression unfortunately, more assassinations of ministers and parliamentarians,'' Jumblatt told a news conference. Lebanese Minister Pierre Gemayel, a member of the ruling bloc, was shot dead yesterday.

''It seems the Syrian regime will continue with the ssassinations. I expect more assassinations but no matter what they do, we are here and we will be victorious,'' he said.

Jumblatt said Syria was trying to derail an international court to try suspects in the killing of former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri.

He reiterated his accusation that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had ordered the assassinations of Hariri and other anti-Syrian politicians over the past two years.

''Let the ruler of Damascus know that no matter how many he murders, every assassination or attempted assassination is a nail in the coffin of the Syrian regime,'' he said.

''He (Assad) will not be able to shake the will of the Lebanese to live freely and in dignity.'' REUTERS LL RK1738