| Lebanon Agrees Hezbollah Right to Resist Israeli Aggression 28/11/2009 19:48:00 | ||
| Lebanon’s new cabinet has agreed on a policy statement that acknowledges Hezbollah’s right to use its weapons to resist aggression by Israel on Lebanon.He ministerial committee tasked with formulating the Cabinet’s policy statement concluded on Thursday its discussions with another compromise granting the state monopoly over matters which relate to the country’s political policy while also highlighting Lebanon’s right to liberate its occupied territories “by means of its army, resistance and people.”The statement was finalized after March 14 Christian ministers pushed for two additions regarding the monopoly of the state’s authority over all matters relating to the country’s political policy and to schedule discussions on a defense strategy during national dialogue sessions.”The government underscores the monopoly of the state’s authority over all matters relating to the country’s political policy in a way that preserves Lebanon, its unity and sovereignty,” Article two of the statement said.Another addition to the statement also proposed by March 14 Christian ministers stressed the “Cabinet’s work to unite the Lebanese stance by agreeing on a national defense strategy to be ratified during national dialogue.”Nevertheless, the statement similarly to that of the previous cabinet mentioned the debated clause between March 14 Christian parties and the opposition regarding Lebanon’s right to resistance in order to liberate its occupied territories.”Based on the Cabinet’s responsibility to preserve Lebanon’s sovereignty, its independence, unity and the safety of its land, the government underscores Lebanon’s right through its people, army and resistance to liberate or regain [authority] of Shebaa Farms, Kfarshouba hills and the occupied part of Ghajar village and defend the country against any aggression,” article six of the statement said.The ministerial statement also underlined Lebanon’s full commitment to Security Council Resolution 1701 and to the implementation of the Taif Accord. The Cabinet is expected to convene next week to approve the statement after which Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri would hold a parliamentary session in order to grant the government the vote of confidence.”The committee tasked with formulating the ministerial statement held its last meeting presided over by Premier Saad Hariri and finalized the statement’s draft which is 22 pages; thus Hariri would contact the president to inform him on its content and agree with the latter on a date for a Cabinet,” Information Minister Tarik Mitri said.Meanwhile, Hizbullah’s number two Sheikh Naim Qassem stressed Thursday Hizbullah’s weapons were not subject to discussions neither in Cabinet nor during national dialogue sessions. “What is subject to discussion is the defense strategy and what the strategy necessitates,” Qassem added.MP Ali Hassan Khalil said that the article concerning the resistance in the ministerial statement was one the national principles. “The issue [resistance] approved by all the Lebanese people reflects Lebanese consensus as we are keen on preserving the constitution and the national pact,” Khalil said.Khalil added that Berri’s call to form a committee tasked with abolishing political sectarianism was part of his efforts to fully implement the Taif Accord similarly to the speaker’s suggestion to instigate discussions regarding a national defense strategy.Hezbollah has always made it clear that its weapons are not directed to the Lebanese people but only to fight back Israeli continuous aggression in this Arab country.The party argues its arms are necessary to protect the country against any future aggression by Israel, which withdrew from southern Lebanon in 2000 after a 22-year occupation. Agencies | ||
Lebanon Agrees Hezbollah Right to Resist Israeli Aggression
**Amin Ahmed** is a Libyan journalist and contributor at TripoliPost, reporting on current affairs, business, and regional developments. With a keen eye for detail and a dedication to fair, balanced journalism, he delivers stories that keep readers informed about Libya and the world beyond its borders. He can be reached at amin.ahmed@tripolipost.com
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