Sheikh Qassem: Ministerial statement confirmed the right of Lebanese, army and resistance to liberate Shibaa Farms
Source: Daily Star, 4-8-2008
BEIRUT: Tackling recent developments on the Lebanese political scene, Hizbullah's second in command Sheikh Naim Qassem said that Lebanon was currently in a strong position, adding that "no sane individual would relinquish its points of strength," in clear reference to Hizbullah's arms.
"There is no need to fear Hizbullah and the resistance which liberated the land and the detainees," Qassem told a delegation of Lebanese emigrants at the al-Shahed Hall in Beirut's southern suburbs.
He added that the recently drafted ministerial statement confirmed that "the Lebanese, the army and the resistance have the right to liberate the occupied Shibaa Farms and the Kfar Shouba Hills.
"This is a clear declaration that Lebanon is keen on maintaining the source of its force," Qassem said.
A policy statement that will allow Lebanon's new national unity government to take office was finally compiled on Friday after three weeks of negotiations
The draft statement must be approved by Cabinet, and then submitted to Parliament for a vote of confidence.
The new cabinet was formed on July 11, but negotiations on a policy statement have been hampered by disputes on the key issue of the weaponry held by Hizbullah.
The opposition insists on the "right to resist" "Israel", while the ruling bloc insists that only the state can make decisions on war and peace.
Qassem indirectly criticized ministers who attempted to redefine the nature of the resistance during the course of ministerial discussions over the draft policy statement.
"When dialogue sessions will be held later on, we will discuss the defense strategy and how to benefit from all our potentials and capacities," Qassem said. The Hizbullah leader was referring to the national dialogue sessions that are expected to be held soon under the leadership of President Michel Sleiman.
"It is grossly misleading to say that the resistance is the problem in Lebanon and that we want to discuss its status," Qassem said.
""Israel" and "Israeli" aggression and occupation are the real problem."
However, Hizbullah's number two Sheikh Naim Qassem said Saturday Lebanese immigrants who support Hizbullah in its struggle against "Israel", "should respect the laws and policies of their host countries and know that the fight against "Israel" should take place in Lebanon and not anywhere else."
"Our brother emigrants should be aware that they are not supposed to be fighting "Israel" in their host countries, especially that these countries are not occupied by "Israel".
"It is your right to respect the resistance and to preserve the sovereignty and independence of your country; we truly appreciate that," he said.
"However," he added, "resistance is done in Lebanon and against "Israel".
BEIRUT: Tackling recent developments on the Lebanese political scene, Hizbullah's second in command Sheikh Naim Qassem said that Lebanon was currently in a strong position, adding that "no sane individual would relinquish its points of strength," in clear reference to Hizbullah's arms.
"There is no need to fear Hizbullah and the resistance which liberated the land and the detainees," Qassem told a delegation of Lebanese emigrants at the al-Shahed Hall in Beirut's southern suburbs.
He added that the recently drafted ministerial statement confirmed that "the Lebanese, the army and the resistance have the right to liberate the occupied Shibaa Farms and the Kfar Shouba Hills.
"This is a clear declaration that Lebanon is keen on maintaining the source of its force," Qassem said.
A policy statement that will allow Lebanon's new national unity government to take office was finally compiled on Friday after three weeks of negotiations
The draft statement must be approved by Cabinet, and then submitted to Parliament for a vote of confidence.
The new cabinet was formed on July 11, but negotiations on a policy statement have been hampered by disputes on the key issue of the weaponry held by Hizbullah.
The opposition insists on the "right to resist" "Israel", while the ruling bloc insists that only the state can make decisions on war and peace.
Qassem indirectly criticized ministers who attempted to redefine the nature of the resistance during the course of ministerial discussions over the draft policy statement.
"When dialogue sessions will be held later on, we will discuss the defense strategy and how to benefit from all our potentials and capacities," Qassem said. The Hizbullah leader was referring to the national dialogue sessions that are expected to be held soon under the leadership of President Michel Sleiman.
"It is grossly misleading to say that the resistance is the problem in Lebanon and that we want to discuss its status," Qassem said.
""Israel" and "Israeli" aggression and occupation are the real problem."
However, Hizbullah's number two Sheikh Naim Qassem said Saturday Lebanese immigrants who support Hizbullah in its struggle against "Israel", "should respect the laws and policies of their host countries and know that the fight against "Israel" should take place in Lebanon and not anywhere else."
"Our brother emigrants should be aware that they are not supposed to be fighting "Israel" in their host countries, especially that these countries are not occupied by "Israel".
"It is your right to respect the resistance and to preserve the sovereignty and independence of your country; we truly appreciate that," he said.
"However," he added, "resistance is done in Lebanon and against "Israel".
