Qabalan: Calls for Mutual Understanding between Lebanese

Source: Daily Star, 17-04-2008
In separate comments, the vice president of the Higher Shiite Council, Sheikh Abdel-Amir Qabalan, urged the Lebanese on Wednesday to "resume productive dialogue likely to break the continuing political logjam."
Following a meeting with a delegation from Middle East Airlines that visited him at the council's headquarters in Haret Hreik, Qabalan said politicians should restore mutual understanding, openness and confidence in one another, in order to "preserve Lebanon and its people and work for the good of the country and its citizens."
Qabalan said he asked Premier Fouad Siniora to visit Iran and to continue consulting with them in order to resolve the Lebanese political deadlock.
"We have no enmity with anyone, and our hearts are open to everyone ... We do not distinguish between Shiites and Sunnis, or between Christians and Muslims. We believe that love and communication are what is needed ... to preserve our nation and our people," he added.
Qabalan called for the closure of "armed offices" in Beirut and across Lebanon, adding that weapons should only exist within the limits of the Lebanese army and "the resistance against Israel."
"We do not accept the existence of weapons in Beirut and the North or in any other region, as it is a departure from the law and the Sharia," Qabalan added.