Sheik Qabalan Considers US Warships an Unfriendly Return to Colonialism

Source: Nowlebanon, 7-23-2008
The Higher Islamic Shia Council warned against civil unrest and sectarian violence fueled by irrational political rhetoric. The Council called on the Lebanese to be alert and resist attempts at such incitements.
In a meeting headed by Council Vice President Sheik Abed al-Amir Qabalan, the Council expressed their support for the Arab Initiative as the only feasible solution to the Lebanese crisis which preserved the "no victor no vanquished" status for all. Sheik Qabalan also appealed to the Lebanese to respect the constitution and maintain peaceful coexistence and national unity.
On behalf of the Council, Sheik Qabalan said the deployment of American warships off the Lebanon shore was an "unfriendly act" and "a threat to sovereign states recognized by the United Nations." He renewed his call for the Lebanese to "stand shoulder-to-shoulder in the face of these fleets" and refused to allow Lebanon to become a conduit for colonization.