PM Siniora
Photo: AP
The Lebanese people have fought hard to liberate their land and now must "regain the land that has remained occupied," Lebanon's Prime Minister Fouad Siniora said Friday, referring to areas currently under Israeli control.
The Lebanese leader made the remarks during a festive session where the new Lebanese government sought the endorsement of parliament. This included clause 24 of the new government platform that maintains the right to liberate occupied land, meaning that Hizbullah would be able to continue its struggle against Israel.
"We view the establishment of this government as a new stage in the joint work of the Lebanese people on behalf of their homeland and country, and for the sake of the future of Lebanon's democratic regime," Siniora said.
The Lebanese unity government approved earlier this week a platform that grants Hizbullah the right to use all means possible in order to liberate "occupied Lebanese land."
The clause was a source of disagreement between the rival camps in Lebanon, yet Hizbullah's demands were ultimately full accepted. The proposal was approved unanimously on Monday, despite the reservations expressed by four ministers.