Sarkozy: Hizbullah open to liberating occupied Shibaa Farms through diplomacy

Source: Daily Star, 10-06-2008

BEIRUT: Hizbullah is not opposed to the liberation of the disputed occupied Shibaa Farms region through diplomatic channels, press sources quoted French President Nicolas Sarkozy as saying Monday.

Pan-Arab daily Al-Hayat reported Sarkozy had asked Hizbullah MP Mohammad Raad if "the possibility of liberating occupied Shibaa Farms though diplomatic means exists." Raad, according to the Al-Hayat source, said Hizbullah would not be opposed to such an effort.

The issue of an 'Israeli' withdrawal from occupied Shibaa Farms was also discussed by Sarkozy and Lebanese President Michel Suleiman, with Suleiman reportedly telling the French head of state that "the withdrawal of 'Israeli' troops would allow the Lebanese to begin discussing a national defense strategy and address the question of weapons in the country."

Sarkozy reportedly pledged to put forth the issue during an upcoming visit to 'Israel' and propose United Nations control of the area until the demarcation of the Lebanese-Syrian border is completed.