Qassem: Solutions to Regional Crises Frozen Pending U.S. Election

Hizbullah deputy chief Sheikh Naim Qassem stated that the latest shuttle contacts between political leaders to solve the presidency impasse are “not part of a crisis nor part of a solution,” as he noted that the situation in the region including Lebanon will remain the same pending the presidential elections in the United States, al-Joumhouria daily reported on Friday.

“The current happenings in Lebanon at the level of contacts with regard to the presidency are not part of the crisis nor part of a solution. A solution in Lebanon must be based on consensus and agreement among its different components,” Qassem told the daily in an interview.

“Lebanon needs regularity in its institutions in order to look after the people's needs and stop the deterioration on more than one level,” he added.

Qassem highlighted the necessity to conduct dialogue between all parties, he said: “We have always said that dialogue is essential. We are applying this through our talks with al-Mustaqbal and through our participation in the national dialogue. Direct talks away from political bickering is necessary, this is why we particpated in the cabinet meeting,” on Thursday.

Qassem noted that “the stability of Lebanon, which lasted over five years was due to two factors: the first factor is the refusal of Hizbullah and its allies to be dragged into internal strife, and the second factor is that the West wanted Lebanon to be a safe zone for fleeing Syrian refugees so that Europe does not assume the responsibilities and burden of the displaced.”

On the regional developments and its impact on Lebanon, Qassem said: “Everything is deferred in the region until after the United States presidential elections. The US maneuvering today under the title of a ceasefire is not part of developing steps toward a political solution, but it is an attempt to prevent the advance of the Syrian forces and protect the opposition and strengthen it.”