Zasypkin Defends Hizbullah, Says Not Similar to ISIL
Russian Ambassador to Lebanon Alexander Zasypkin defended on Saturday Hizbullah's intervention in Syria, describing the group as a resistance that participates in political life and aids a legitimate regime in Syria.
The ambassador rejected in comments published in the pan-Arab daily al-Hayat comparison between the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and Hizbullah, stressing that the differences are “fundamental.”
“ISIL is a terror faction while Hizbullah is a resistance that participates in politics and aids a legitimate regime in Syria,” Zasypkin.
The diplomat refused a statement by Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah that Russia, Iran and Hizbullah belong to the same axis, however he noted that Moscow and Tehran agree on supporting Syrian President Bashar Assad.
The so-called axis of resistance comprises Iran, Syria and Hizbullah.
Hizbullah is a close ally of the Syrian regime and has been fighting alongside government troops against an uprising there.
Its involvement has helped the army to recapture key territory, but drawn the ire of many in Lebanon.
Zasypkin reiterated his country's support to the Baabda Declaration, which was endorsed by Lebanon's rival political parties on June 11, 2012, following a national dialogue session at the Baabda Palace.
It calls for keeping Lebanon away from the policies and conflicts of the region and the world, except when it comes to abiding by the resolutions of the United Nations, the Arab consensus and the Palestinian cause.
“It is provides Lebanon with security and stability,” ambassador said, stressing that the implementation of the dissociation is “tough as it is impossible to isolate Lebanon from Syria.”
Zasypkin voiced concern over the ongoing presidential stalemate, saying: “I fear that the vacuum would become a normal issue as the rivals are holding onto their stance.”
Lebanon has been without a president since May last year when the term of Michel Suleiman ended without the election of a successor.
Ongoing disputes between the rival March 8 and 14 camps over a compromise candidate have thwarted the election.
Hizbullah's Loyalty to the Resistance and MP Michel Aoun's Change and Reform blocs have been boycotting the polls over the dispute.
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