Suleiman. Supports resistance
Photo: Reuters
Hariri and Assad. Close relationship
Photo: Reuters
Lebanese president: Citizens united behind Hezbollah
Beirut leadership warns that if Israel launches another military campaign against Lebanon, 'it won't be a field trip'
While the international community engages in attempts
to stop Iran's
nuclear program, Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri warned Wednesday that Israel
was the one undermining the region's stability.
Meanwhile, Lebanese President Michel Suleiman expressed support for Hezbollah,
clarifying that his country's authorities would not object to any activity involving the Shiite
organization's members.
Hariri noted that his country's renewed ties with Syria were aimed at providing a response to Israel's threats, and did not rule out another military conflict with the Jewish state.
On the Defense
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Sheikh Naim Qassem says Shiite organization not violating Resolution 1701 because no weapons are deployed south of Litani River
"The Israeli-Palestinians conflict is much more dangerous than the Iranian nuclear issue which the West is dealing with and is even more explosive than any other problem in the region," Hariri told the Spain-based El Mundo newspaper. He said his country supports "an arms-free Middle East, including Israel – not just Iran."
Addressing his regime's building relationship with the Syrian regime, the Lebanese president said that the move was necessary in order to "provide an answer to the Israeli threat." He warned that the Jewish state may launch a war again.
"A strong relationship with Syria means presenting a firm stand against Israel," said Hariri, who is scheduled to visit Damascus in the near future.
He expressed his anger over the media reports on the recent sex scandals in the Catholic Church, saying that "these unacceptable attacks on the Vatican" received more media coverage than "Israel's acts of horror against the Palestinians".
Lebanese President Michel Suleiman, who is visiting Qatar, warned against another Israeli offensive against his country, and said that "whoever makes the decision to launch such a military adventure should know that it won't be a field trip."
Suleiman expressed his support for Hezbollah, saying that "all the Lebanese are united both behind the army and behind the resistance, defending their land and their dignity against aggression."
He also clarified that signing a draft agreement for security cooperation between Lebanon and the United States would not harm Hezbollah's status.
"No one in Lebanon, especially in the government, will not harm the resistance's status," the Lebanese president said, adding that "the relationship with Syria is based on trust, friendship, cooperation, coordination and mutual respect, while constantly keeping in touch with President Bashar Assad."
