Nasrallah Links Presidency to Aoun-Geagea Talks, Says Hizbullah Fighters Fully Prepared on Border
Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah announced Friday that his party's fighters are maintaining full preparedness on the eastern border to confront any takfiri assault, alongside the army and security forces, noting that the inter-Christian dialogue that got underway might lead to resolving the presidential crisis.
“I salute the officers and soldiers of the army and the Islamic resistance who are deployed on the border and are protecting the country against Israeli and takfiri terrorist attacks,” Nasrallah said in a televised address during a ceremony held by the Hizbullah-affiliated al-Imdad Islamic Charitable Association.
“They are defending their people in snow, cold and harsh conditions, but they are insisting on steadfastness and perseverance. They are shouldering this major national and religious responsibility because they are the true followers of the Prophet of God (Mohammed) and the real defenders of the Lebanese people,” Nasrallah added, referring to Hizbullah's fighters and the Lebanese army's soldiers.
Hizbullah's leader expressed relief that the security situation “has been very good since several months due to the achievements of the army and security forces.”
“The army, security forces and the jihadist fighters of the resistance are defying the snow and enduring pain and exhaustion to protect us,” said Nasrallah.
Playing down recent media reports, he reassured that “the takfiris are too weak to be able to launch broad assaults, contrary to what some media outlets are claiming.”
“Reports of a broad military assault are baseless and the country is full of men and brave women. We remained resilient in the face of the world's strongest armies,” Nasrallah stressed.
He also underlined that the Lebanese are not helpless in the face of any danger.
“The same as we defeated the Israelis, terrorists and takfiris, we will defeat all the threats. Death, wounds, burdens or accusations cannot change the jihadist fighters' determination to protect their people and villages,” Nasrallah added.
As for the issue of the dialogue that got underway between Hizbullah and al-Mustaqbal movement, Hizbullah's leader reassured the Lebanese that “it is moving forward with the required seriousness from the two parties.”
“It greatly benefits the country and it is enough that the situation in the country has largely calmed down,” he pointed out.
“Based on the two (dialogue) sessions and their atmosphere, we can speak of major positivity that may lead to tangible results,” Nasrallah stated.
“We have been realistic from the very first day and we didn't announce high expectations. Some parties do not want dialogue, but it leaves a positive impact on the general situations,” he added.
Nasrallah, however, admitted that dialogue with al-Mustaqbal will not resolve any of the main thorny issues.
“We did not say that dialogue will resolve the dispute over the defense strategy, the arms of the resistance or the fighting in Syria. We said that we're living in a region that is witnessing a storm and we must seek a way to prevent the country's collapse,” he pointed out.
“Can we reach agreements over certain topics? Yes, it is possible and certain if the positivity continues,” he added.
Reassuring the other Lebanese political forces, Nasrallah noted that “this dialogue is not a replacement to the dialogue of the other forces.”
“We support and assist any dialogue between all parties and groups in Lebanon,” he said.
Nasrallah also highlighted the importance of the upcoming dialogue between Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun and Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea, which is being preceded by preparatory meetings between FPM and LF officials.
“We are among the parties that are insisting on holding the presidential elections and we support inter-Christian dialogue which might lead to holding this election. Only the Lebanese can elect a president and foreign forces cannot do anything for us,” said Nasrallah.
“I have always called on everyone not to burn bridges because we have no choice but to sit together, engage in dialogue and continue our path together.”
Y.R.
Source: Naharnet
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