Qassem Says Hizbullah 'Not Seeking Parliamentary Majority, One-Third Veto Power'

Hizbullah deputy chief Sheikh Naim Qassem announced Friday that his party and its allies are not seeking to win a parliamentary majority or a one-third veto power in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

“We in Hizbullah are relieved in advance regarding any parliamentary elections results and we're not worried at all,” Qassem said at a press conference to launch Hizbullah's electoral campaign in the South.

“Our calculations are not based on the number of MPs affiliated with us but rather on broad representation. That's why we can say from now that we are not seeking a parliamentary majority or a one-third veto power... These are not our goals,” Hizbullah number two added.

“The nature of the forces that will win and the nature of the phase we are going through will dictate alliances, relations and interests through which we can achieve a lot of things,” Qassem went on to say.

He noted that “the elections are important and very sensitive during this period, because the vote will produce a new ruling class after a long travail that took place in our region over the past nine years which involved changes, achievements and new situations.”

Qassem also noted that “black rooms” operated by “foreign” forces do not want the elections to take place.

“Some are contacting some figures and parties, asking them to form an alliance to confront Hizbullah in the elections,” the Hizbullah leader added.