Sheikh Qassem: KSA Must Apologize, Lebanon Will Always Be Country of Freedoms

Local Editor

Hizbullah Deputy Secretary General His Eminence Sheikh Naim Qassem hit back at Saudi Arabia on Friday, saying it must "apologize to Lebanon" over the events of last week.

His comment came days after the Saudi announcement of halting the $4 billion military aid to the Lebanese army and security forces.

In this context, Sheikh Qassesm said: "Some were surprised when Saudi Arabia decided to call off the several billions' grant to Lebanon, but in fact it was a chance for them to attack Lebanon and Hizbullah."

Making his remarks during a memorial service in Beirut's southern suburb, he stressed that: "For us, Lebanon is the country of freedoms and it will remain so and it will never be subservient to any country on the face of Earth."

"As Lebanese citizens, we want Lebanon for all the Lebanese and we want them to remain free with their heads held up high, not followers of any state. Lebanon will never become a Saudi emirate or an emirate for any country," Qassem underlined.

Earlier, the kingdom Tuesday advised its citizens against travel to Lebanon and urged those already in the country to leave it, citing "safety" concerns. And on Thursday, media reports said around 90 Lebanese citizens have been fired from their jobs in Saudi Arabia.

Sheikh Qassem saw that what happened in the week "requires Saudi Arabia to apologize to Lebanon, because it has insulted the Lebanese and those who exerted strenuous efforts to liberate their land and achieve their independence."

And although His Eminence accused Saudi Arabia and its Lebanese allies of launching baseless accusations against the party, he expressed "utmost keenness" on "extending hands for reconciliation, cooperation and understanding."

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team