Nasrallah: For unity government
Photo: AFP
Mofaz: Hezbollah wants Syria too
Photo: Avihu Shapiro
Hezbollah and its allies will not exclude any political party if their candidate for premiership wins a parliamentary majority in talks due to begin on Monday, the Shiite group chief Hassan Nasrallah said on Sunday.
"To dispel any illusions ... we in the opposition will look for a partnership government if (our) candidate wins the parliamentarian majority. We do not call for a government from one side and for excluding any political party," he said.
Threats
High-ranking American official tells Asharq Al-Awsat Congress would deny Lebanon of any aid should Shiite group head next government
"We have noticed recently that the matter of the indictments has been accelerated in order to put pressure on us and our allies out of political aims. After the indictments are filed we will not capitulate to any political conditions imposed on us," Nasrallah added.
Lebanon was plunged into crisis earlier this month after Hezbollah and its allies brought down the government of caretaker Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri in a dispute over confidential indictments by a UN-backed tribunal investigating the 2005 killing of his father.
Nasrallah said Hezbollah would strive for a unity government. "We do not want a government of one color. We are interested in any personage who can accomplish this," Nasrallah said.
He went on to accuse Israel of inciting against his organization. "We have begun hearing talk from Israel and incitement about 'an Iranian plan' and a 'Shiite plan' regarding Lebanon. I am here to say that all of these claims about an Iranian, Farsi, or Shiite plan through a government led by Hezbollah are deceptions, fabrications, and falsifications," Nasrallah said.
'Syria next in line'
Earlier the chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Shaul Mofaz, warned Sunday during a tour of the northern border that Hezbollah may not stop at taking control of the Lebanese government.
"I don't find it impossible that after taking over Lebanon, Syria will be next in line," Mofaz said.
"At this stage we are witnessing an internal battle between Sunnis and Shiites," he said, adding that Hezbollah was getting stronger thanks to Iranian support. "They mean to turn Lebanon into a Shiite religious state."
Mofaz said Iran plans to create a perimeter around Israel that includes both Syria and the Gaza Strip. "We must be prepared for any scenario imposed on us by the other side," he said.
- Follow Ynetnews on Facebook