Carter says willing to meet with Hizbullah
Former US president in Lebanon, confirms he would sit down with terror organization's leaders if they are willing to meet him. Carter was widely criticized for meeting with Hamas' politburo chief in April during visit to Syria
Former US President Jimmy Carter said Tuesday he is ready to meet with Hizbullah officials if the Lebanese militant group agreed to see him.
Carter made his comments upon arrival in Lebanon where he will assess whether his Atlanta-based Carter Center would take part in monitoring next year's parliamentary elections.
Asked whether he would meet with Hizbullah officials during his five-day visit, Carter told reporters that it was up to the militant group, which the United States considers a terrorist organization.
"I am going to meet with all of the political parties as possible," Carter said. "I understand that several leaders of Hizbullah said they were not going to meet with any president or former president of the United States, so I don't know yet."
A Hizbullah official told The Associated Press the group had no immediate comment on Carter's remarks but said it might issue a statement, most likely on Wednesday.
Washington blames Hizbullah for the explosion that killed 241 US Marines at their Beirut barracks in 1983, as well as for two attacks on the US Embassy in Beirut and the 1985 TWA hijacking that killed an American serviceman on board.
Hizbullah denies the accusations and says it opposes terrorism.
Carter was widely criticized in April when he met in Syria with the exiled Hamas leader, Khaled Mashaal. The US also labels Hamas a terrorist organization.
While in Lebanon, Carter said he will meet with President Michel Suleiman and Prime Minister Fuad Saniora.
