Nasrallah Says Still Keen on French Initiative but Tells Macron He's Not Lebanon's 'Ruler'

W460

Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on Tuesday said his party is still keen on the success of the French initiative but criticized French President Emmanuel Macron over his latest remarks.

“We welcomed President Macron's role and the French initiative for helping Lebanon, but not for him to become a prosecutor, a ruler or a custodian over us. We still support the French initiative but the rhetoric must be reviewed, because national dignity was insulted two days ago,” Nasrallah said in a televised address.

“If you want to know who foiled your initiative, look for the Americans who imposed sanctions and are threatening to impose more and look for King Salman’s speech at the U.N.,” Nasrallah added, addressing Macron.

“We still welcome the French initiative, but the approach that was followed last month cannot be continued,” he stressed.

Noting that a “settlement” is different than “surrender,” Nasrallah responded to remarks voiced by Macron by saying that Hizbullah “does not practice the game of terrorism and intimidation against anyone in Lebanon.”

“We do not tolerate anyone addressing us with this language,” Nasrallah said, telling the French leader that Hizbullah is “not part of the corrupt political class.”

“We did not go to Syria to fight civilians. We went there at the invitation of the Syrian government to fight terrorist groups. It was not us who chose war, the Zionists rather occupied our land,” he added, also in response to Macron remarks.

“What you are asking from us contradicts with democracy. You are asking the parliamentary majority to bow and cede power to the parliamentary minority,” Nasrallah said.

“Our enemies and friends know that we honor our pledges,” he added.

“President Macron, who accused us of intimidation, is the one who practiced the intimidation policy against the heads of parties in order to pass the government,” Nasrallah charged.

As for Mustafa Adib’s botched attempt to form a new government, Nasrallah said Hizbullah “cannot stay out of the government” because it fears for the country and its people.

“We should be in the government to protect the back of the resistance, so that Lebanon does not witness a government similar to the May 5, 2008 government,” Nasrallah added, referring to Fouad Saniora’s government and its decision to dismantle Hizbullah’s military telecommunications network that year.

“What if a new government decides to sell the state's assets? What if a government accepts the conditions of the IMF without any discussions,” Nasrallah said.

Addressing the international community, Nasrallah said “the coercion method does not work in Lebanon, regardless of its advocates and sponsors, be them the U.S., France or Europe.”

“What was proposed last month was not a salvation government but rather a government named by the club of ex-PMs,” he charged, noting that the French initiative did not mention “the number of ministers nor a rotation of portfolios.”

He added: “Some wanted to eliminate the parliamentary blocs and the President’s powers and they sought to introduce new norms.”

“The naming of ministers for all sects in Lebanon by a single person is dangerous for the country,” Nasrallah warned.

“It was not Adib who was negotiating with us over the government, but rather ex-PM Saad Hariri, and the club of ex-PMs wanted to distribute the portfolios and name the ministers alone,” he lamented.

Separately, Nasrallah said that journalists would be invited to a site in the Beirut suburb of Jnah to refute allegations by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the presence of a secret missile depot there.

"Whoever wants to go can go now. If Hizbullah is storing missiles in this facility then there is not enough time to remove them," Nasrallah said. 

“We do not place missiles at Beirut port nor near a gas station and we know very well where we should place our missiles,” Nasrallah added.

“Hizbullah is not obliged to invite journalists to any site mentioned by Netanyahu, but we are doing this now due to the sensitivity of the situation after the August 4 explosion,” he added.

He also said that Netanyahu was "inciting the Lebanese people against Hizbullah as usual."

"We will allow media outlets to enter the facility so that the world knows that Netanyahu is lying," he added.

Timeline
  • 29 September 2020, 21:53

    Nasrallah: We welcomed President Macron's role and the French initiative for helping Lebanon, but not for him to become a prosecutor, a ruler or a custodian over us. We still support the French initiative but the rhetoric must be reviewed, because national dignity was insulted two days ago.

  • 29 September 2020, 21:44

    Nasrallah to Macron: If you want to know who foiled your initiative, look for the Americans who imposed sanctions and are threatening to impose more and look for King Salman’s speech at the U.N.

  • 29 September 2020, 21:43

    Nasrallah: Iran does not interfere in the Lebanese affairs and it does not make dictations and we in the Shiite duo take the decisions.

  • 29 September 2020, 21:43

    Nasrallah: We still welcome the French initiative, but the approach that was followed last month cannot be continued.

  • 29 September 2020, 21:34

    Nasrallah: We do not accept that anyone addresses us with this language.

  • 29 September 2020, 21:33

    Nasrallah: We are not part of the corrupt political class.

  • 29 September 2020, 21:33

    Nasrallah to Macron: A settlement is different than surrender. We do not practice the game of terrorism and intimidation against anyone in Lebanon.

  • 29 September 2020, 21:32

    Nasrallah: It was not us who chose war, the Zionists rather occupied our land.

  • 29 September 2020, 21:31

    Nasrallah: We did not go to Syria to fight civilians. We went there at the invitation of the Syrian government to fight terrorist groups.

  • 29 September 2020, 21:31

    Nasrallah to Macron: Our enemies and friends know that we honor our pledges.

  • 29 September 2020, 21:30

    Nasrallah to Macron: What you are asking from us contradicts with democracy. You are asking the parliamentary majority to bow and cede power to the parliamentary minority.

  • 29 September 2020, 21:29

    Nasrallah to Macron: We did not say around the table that we would accept any government.

  • 29 September 2020, 21:26

    Nasrallah: President Macron, who accused us of intimidation, is the one who practiced the intimidation policy against the heads of parties in order to pass the government.

  • 29 September 2020, 21:21

    Nasrallah: What if a new government decides to sell the state's assets.

  • 29 September 2020, 21:20

    Nasrallah: What if a government accepts the conditions of the IMF without any discussions.

  • 29 September 2020, 21:20

    Nasrallah: We should be in the government to protect the back of the resistance, so that Lebanon does not witness a government similar to the May 5, 2008 government.

  • 29 September 2020, 21:19

    Nasrallah: We cannot stay out of the government because we fear for the country and its people.

  • 29 September 2020, 21:14

    Nasrallah: The coercion method does not work in Lebanon, regardless of its advocates and sponsors, be them the U.S., France or Europe.

  • 29 September 2020, 21:12

    Nasrallah: What was proposed last month was not a salvation government but rather a government named by the club of ex-PMs.

  • 29 September 2020, 21:12

    Nasrallah: The French initiative does not mention the number of ministers nor the rotation of portfolios.

  • 29 September 2020, 21:07

    Nasrallah: Some wanted to eliminate the parliamentary blocs and the President’s powers and they sought to introduce new norms.

  • 29 September 2020, 21:03

    Nasrallah: The naming of ministers for all sects in Lebanon by a single person is dangerous for the country.

  • 29 September 2020, 21:00

    Nasrallah: It was not Adib who was negotiating with us over the government, but rather ex-PM Saad Hariri, and the club of ex-PMs wanted to distribute the portfolios and name the ministers alone.

  • 29 September 2020, 20:57

    Nasrallah: Adib did not consult with President Aoun.

  • 29 September 2020, 20:55

    Nasrallah: The French must know where they erred, especially as to eliminating the President's most important remaining power, which is participation in the formation of governments.

  • 29 September 2020, 20:55

    Nasrallah: We did not put any conditions when Mustafa Adib was nominated and did not make any prior agreement to show our intention to facilitate the process.

  • 29 September 2020, 20:49

    Nasrallah: We do not place missiles at Beirut port nor near a gas station and we know very well where we should place our missiles.

  • 29 September 2020, 20:45

    Nasrallah: Hizbullah is not obliged to invite journalists to any site mentioned by Netanyahu, but we are doing this now due to the sensitivity of the situation after the August 4 explosion.

  • 29 September 2020, 20:41

    Nasrallah on Netanyahu's allegations: Hizbullah's media relations department is calling media outlets to invite them to the site.

  • 29 September 2020, 20:40

    Nasrallah: The Israeli enemy is maintaining the highest level of alertness on Lebanon's border and this is something good.

  • 29 September 2020, 20:40

    Nasrallah said Hizbullah still intends to retaliate to the killing of one of its fighters in Syria.

  • 29 September 2020, 20:38

    Nasrallah: The armed groups in north Lebanon were plotting major military action.

  • 29 September 2020, 20:33

    Nasrallah offered condolences to Kuwait over the death of Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah, saying the late leader played a "personal and major role" in ending Lebanon's civil war.

  • 29 September 2020, 20:33

    Nasrallah said security forces made major achievements against the extremist groups in the North during the latest confrontations.

Comments 28
Thumb EagleDawn 29 September 2020, 20:35

The day this evil iranian sectarian terrorist is brutally and violently murdered is the day we celebrate our true independence.

Thumb gebran_sons 29 September 2020, 22:49

LOL, couldn't stop laughing. Does he think all Lebanese are stupid? Nasrallah talking about democracy, Iran not interfering in Lebanon, etc, unbelievable!
Without any doubt the crimes being committed in Iran against the opposition will be committed in Lebanon if Hizb has its way. These ashraf-el-nass are the criminals who killed our leaders, set up worldwide drug and money laundering networks, destroyed our country at the service of Iran, and silenced critics by intimidation or murder. People will begin to understand they are the cause of our misery and destitution. People hunger will not be forgiving!

Default-user-icon Victorious (Guest) 30 September 2020, 02:35

Oh, not because USA helped in banning dollars, not because USA wanna push our country to make peace with Israel.Hizbullah are terrorists, but Saudi Arabia who kidnapped our prime minister back then, and forced him to resign in a clear violation for international laws are friends. SaudiArabia who killed and chopped a journalist just because of opposition, in one of the most brutal murders ever done in our modern history, are not terrorists but a breeze of air instead. You throw all those accusations about money laundery, drug dealing, and killing your leaders, yet you have no proof.One Last thing, if kicking zionists out of our occupied land,protecting citizens against radicalism and terrorism,ruining several plans to bring more chaos into our land, and making one of the strongest armies in the region in a constant state of confusion and fear, is considered misery,and destitution. Then prepare to have these two terms as your soul mates for the rest of your life.

Default-user-icon Victorious (Guest) 30 September 2020, 02:55

Oh,not because USA wanna push our country to make peace with Israel, as the whole world already knows by now. Hizbullah are terrorists, but Saudi Arabia who kidnapped our prime minister back then, and forced him to resign in a clear violation for international laws are friends. SaudiArabia who killed and chopped a journalist just because of opposition, in one of the most brutal murders ever done in our modern history, are not terrorists but a breeze of air instead. You throw all those accusations about money laundery, drug dealing, and killing your leaders, yet you have no evidence or proof.One Last thing, if kicking zionists out of our occupied land,protecting citizens against radicalism and terrorism,ruining several plans to bring more chaos into our land, and making one of the strongest armies in the region in a constant state of confusion and fear, is considered misery,and destitution. Then prepare to have these two terms as your soul mates for the rest of your life.

Thumb ex-fpm 30 September 2020, 12:08

Typical shia logic. When Iran is mentioned, bring in saudi arabia. Go live in Iran instead of living in the USA and worshipping Iran.

Thumb doodle-dude 30 September 2020, 08:57

lol@ "I am a lebanese-American" from dahieh

Thumb ex-fpm 30 September 2020, 10:43

14 hours ago Nasrallah: Hizbullah is not obliged to invite journalists to any site mentioned by Netanyahu, but we are doing this now due to the sensitivity of the situation after the August 4 explosion.

Due to the 'sensitivity of the situation after the August 4 explosion' why didn't you invite journalists to the scene of the Qana explosion prior to the explosion?

Lies and deceit summarize this man's existence.

Thumb janoubi 29 September 2020, 20:52

When will the army release results of the investigation into the Ain Qana explosion?

Missing un520 29 September 2020, 21:26

It will not be worth the paper it is written on anyway..

Thumb enterprise 01 October 2020, 06:10

It was an ice-cream factory that blew up because of the heat.

Thumb Le.Devin 29 September 2020, 21:29

we know very well where we should place our missiles. No Sheikh Hassan you should not place the missiles there no matter how lonely those dark cold nights in the sewers feel, those are not dildos or suppositories. Wait for Naiim Qassem to come down you can cuddle as much as you need.

Missing un520 29 September 2020, 21:31

This terrorist leader is a tragedy, calamaty, disaster, sign of evil for the whole of Lebanon.

Thumb galaxy 30 September 2020, 07:03

lol @ abu-hussain from Iran

Thumb warrior 30 September 2020, 09:02

Nassrallah tells Macron He's Not Lebanon's 'Ruler'.....

But nasrallah is Lebanon's ruler!

Thumb ansarullah 29 September 2020, 21:40

God bless Sayyid Hassan for defeating the French president, preserving shia and fpm rights, and for going to Syria not to fight civilians.

Shia Shia Shia !!!

Thumb galaxy 29 September 2020, 21:46

Filthy iranian terrorist....

Thumb sanglierdomestique 29 September 2020, 23:04

@Pierre_am, respectfully brother, can you tell me how another Trump mandate will benefit the region? A unilateral “maximum pressure” policy will only accelerate their enrichment program and then mabrouk they’ll have the bomb. An Obama-era nuclear deal followed with ‘light’ sanctions on the Iranian economy (along with hard sanctions on Hezbollah) is the way forward on Iran.
Killing Suleimani was a short-term gain sure but a loss for long-term US credibility in the region– remember the battle is for the hearts and minds of people. Long-term stability in the region is tied to a strong America with strong institutions – vote for Biden lol
Also don’t think that Biden will stand against covert/special ops on Iran

Thumb lebnanfirst 29 September 2020, 23:04

yeah yeah, TL;DR but same old same old. Noose is tightening and when your bosses command you to do you will obey and do - so much for Iran does not interfere.
So now you have an issue with the Sunnis forming a government when you formed your own and failed spectacularly, remember?

Missing sami1911 29 September 2020, 23:30

My God this Netanyahu would have been the best salesmen ever. The man knows how to deliver a speech, every word and every guest is detailed, much training for that kind of delivery.

Missing sami1911 29 September 2020, 23:33

Anyway, as all leaders in the world, even he don't gives a damn about Lebanon. Sole purpose was to convince the world, and build further opposition agains Iran. It's now up for the other medias to catch that story, which no one will. Instead the dumb Lebanese media went into a trap by airing a bunch of idiots chanting shia shia shia - in an empty warehouse, giving the Iranians even more leverage. By mixing half truths with lies, the outcome is obvious. Hizbollah disintegrates from the body as it pleases and integrates when befalls - denial as either Amal och FPM takes a position for the worse, or integrates to seem united. That is the insinuation for his positions WE DIDN'T etc throughout the speech. Hope everyone can see the game played. Metastasis consist in form of FPM, and Iranians - very dangerous combination for Lebanon. Sorry to say but it seems that mean Lebanese aren't that clever.

Missing arturo 29 September 2020, 23:37

WHAT!!!! If Nasrallah is not Lebanon's ruler who is? He controls the armed forces and Parliament.

Missing hammerhead1 29 September 2020, 23:42

All indications and facts show that HA has for the last ten years been gradually dismantling and destroying all state institutions, all relationships and cooperation with all foreign entities and bringing the Lebanese to their knees physically and economically. Lebanon to them is an instrument to be used for a higher cause. What is happening is no surprise, expect more of the same.

Missing hammerhead1 29 September 2020, 23:45

When are the Aounia going to wake up?

Missing sami1911 30 September 2020, 01:29

The only way forward domestically is to unite and focus all effort into putting pressure on the presidency, either it comes from LF, phalang, independets, future etc. No way the iranians will not give in. Every opportunity given to break the ranks of FMP, take it. Openly criticise, influence, boycott, isolate, by what ever means possible. Lebanon will not survive till winter. And now with the submersions coming. God helps Lebanon

Thumb farsical.resistance 30 September 2020, 02:22

what dignity, you have no dignity? By your own admission you can't even think for yourself.
Hassan Nasrallah - November 11 2013
"
عندما نأخذ القرار، أو نمشي في أي درب، أو ندخل إلى أي ساحة، أو إلى أي ميدان أو إلى أي قتال، نحن لا نلجأ إلى عقولنا، ولا إلى علومنا ولا إلى مستوانا العلمي، ولا إلى ولا إلى,نحن نلجأ إلى فقهائنا وكبارنا ومراجعنا.. هذا كان التزامنا بالإمام، وهذا التزامنا بعد الإمام رضوان الله تعالى عليه، بسماحة الإمام القائد آية الله العظمى السيد علي الخامنئي.
"

Default-user-icon Victorious (Guest) 30 September 2020, 03:02

The fact that you are talking about Israel as an ally, says it all. You can go live there.

Missing phillipo 30 September 2020, 15:17

Israel may not be an seen as an ally, but definitely does not regard itself as an enemy of Lebanon.

Missing samiam 30 September 2020, 08:04

“We do not tolerate anyone addressing us with this language,” Nasrallah said, telling the French leader that Hizbullah is “not part of the corrupt political class.”

Lol---says the party leader who encourages smuggling and protects the allies that are corrupt (amal = corruption). Where does kizb cover the shortfall that iran can't provide---agriculture (lol) or their highly skilled engineers and doctors that they employ in the workforce.