Lahoud calls for support of resistance as South prepares to mark Liberation Day

Source: Daily Star, 25-5-2006
SOUTH LEBANON: President Emile Lahoud said Wednesday that it was the duty of the state to improve the living conditions of residents in liberated villages, adding that "it is time to end their sufferings and provide them with a decent living."
Speaking during a visit to Khiam refugee camp and a number of liberated villages in the South on the eve of Liberation Day, Lahoud expressed his readiness "to provide all support to the resistance until Lebanon recovers its occupied territories, frees prisoners held in "Israel" and restores its water resources."
Speaker Nabih Berri received congratulatory phone calls from Lahoud and former President Elias Hrawi on the occasion of Liberation Day. Arab and Islamic leaders, as well as Lebanese political figures, also phoned their congratulations to Berri.
Meanwhile, Hizbullah Deputy Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem called Liberation Day "a unique event."
"If we were to conduct a referendum on the resistance, we would find out that it is still supported by the majority of Lebanese people," he said.
"However, on the political level some parties changed their position regarding the resistance, especially after the UN Security Council issued resolution 1559 and the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri."
Concerning the ongoing national dialogue, Qassem said, "I don`t think that politicians will reach a result soon."
Hizbullah members on Wednesday continued with their preparations for Liberation Day celebrations.
However, while the entrance of the South`s main towns and liberated villages were adorned with triumphal arches, the area`s schools were still wondering whether their doors would be open or shut today.
Streams of yellow banners have been raised along roads in the South praising the resistance and Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. "We are at your service Sayyed Nasrallah," read one banner.
Near Sidon`s Grand Serail, Hizbullah displayed Katyusha rockets, other weapons and tanks used during the fight for liberation, while villages were decorated with military tools left behind by "Israeli" troops.
"I am now using this cannon to display my cages, whereas "Israelis" once used it to shoot at our brothers," said pet shop owner Zakaria Karnib.