Hashem Says Arab League Must Understand Lebanon's 'Particularity'
MP Qassem Hashem rejected the Arab League naming of Hizbullah as a “terrorist” organization, describing the party as a “major component of the Lebanese fabric.”
In an interview with radio VDL (93.3) Hashem said Hizbullah is “part of Lebanon's political society. It constitutes a fundamental part in the Parliament and Cabinet and has its own popular and political weight.”
Hashem added saying that the Arab League “must understand Lebanon's particularity,” asserting that “Lebanon is keen on having strong and excellent ties with the entire Arab countries.”
“Hizbullah is dealing with all Lebanese issues wisely and positively mainly the recent crisis,” said the lawmaker, adding “but some issues can not be tolerated, especially external dictates, in light of the seriousness of what we are going through. What is happening today is not normal and we are all concerned with fortifying the internal arena.”
The closing statement of an emergency Arab League meeting on Sunday labeled Hizbullah as “terrorist”, which prompted Lebanon’s representative to voice reservations over certain clauses.
The statement accused Hizbullah of “training terrorist groups” in Bahrain, “supporting terrorist groups” in Saudi Arabia, and “supporting terror and terrorist groups in Arab countries with advanced weapons and ballistic missiles.”
And describing Hizbullah as a “partner in the Lebanese government,” the statement also accused the group of “spreading extremism and sectarianism” and “interfering in the internal affairs of other countries.”
The Lebanese envoy to the meeting, Antoine Azzam, made carefully weighed comments at the talks.
While not mentioning Iran by name, he said Lebanon condemned all attacks against Arab nations, but blamed exploitable inter-Arab divisions that allowed international and regional powers to promote their interests.
Source: Naharnet
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