Nasrallah attempts to refute rumors of illness

Hezbollah chief makes television appearance on Shiite terror group-owned TV station; says rumors about his heath untrue, part of 'media war waged against Hezbollah'

Roi Kais|Published: 02.27.13 , 18:53

Hezbollah Chief Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah made a televised speech Wednesday, meant to refute reports suggesting he was gravely ill and receiving treatments in Iran.

The speech was aired on Hezbollah's television station, Al-Manar.

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Nasrallah said that he "Didn't wish to interrupt the viewers," and he only came on the air "To refute the rumors that were spread over the past two days, that have left a negative impression.

"I'm here, in the flesh, to tell you that these rumors are baseless," he asserted.

He also denied the reports suggesting his deputy, Naim Qassem, was seriously injured in a convoy explosion in Syria. Nasrallah called the reports "lies."

The Shiite terror group's leader, whose speech was riddled with coughs, stressed that the rumors about his health were part of the "media war waged against Hezbollah."

He then thanked those praying for him, saying he was grateful for their support.