Mubarak: Hizbullah part of Lebanon fabric

Egyptian president says Hizbullah has right to resist occupier if its actions are in accordance with Lebanese national interest

Roee Nahmias|Published: 08.19.06 , 17:13

Having blamed Hizbullah for the latest confrontation with Israel, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak softened his stance vis-à-vis the Shiite group, telling an Egyptian newspaper on Saturday that it is "part of the Lebanese national fabric."

"Resisting the occupier is a legitimate right under the condition that it springs from free will and in accordance to the supreme national interest," Mubarak told the semiofficial weekly Akhbar el-Yom newspaper.

Mubarak called on all sides to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 to allow the reconstruction of Lebanon. Mubarak says Egypt is working with the international community to ensure Lebanon regains its sovereignty and independence, but said that unity among the various Lebanese factions is necessary at this crucial juncture.

Mubarak came under sharp criticism by other leaders including Syrian President Bashar Assad, who said Tuesday that "we do not ask anyone to fight with us or for us ... But he should at least not adopt the enemy's views."

In an apparent response, Mubarak said in the interview that the region shouldn't tolerate "cheap rhetoric."

Mubarak also said that the United States should refrain from taking military action against Iran because doing so would create instability not just in the Middle East but around the world.

"The conflict between the United States and Iran should be solved through diplomacy and direct dialogue because striking Iran means the end of stability in the region and the world," Mubarak said.

Iran is facing heightened pressure over its disputed nuclear program and has rejected a United Nations Security Council resolution calling on Tehran to halt uranium enrichment by August 31.

Washington has said it intends next month to have the UN impose penalties on Iran for refusing to suspend its uranium enrichment, an important step in making nuclear weapons. US officials have not specified the proposed punishment.