Qassem accuses Geagea of `inventing crisis`

Source: Daily Star, 12-5-2006
BEIRUT: Hizbullah`s Sheikh Naim Qassem has for the first time included Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea in his frequent accusations that members of the March (February) 14 Forces are "exposing Lebanon to Israeli interests and American plans."
In an interview with Ad-Diyar published on Thursday, the resistance`s deputy secretary general said that recent comments by Geagea and Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt concerning Hizbullah`s weapons have been little more than a rehashing of UN Security Council Resolution 1559.
"Both leaders have invented a crisis called `Lebanon`s sovereignty over the Shebaa Farms` at the UN`s request, and notably that of the United States," he added.
The sheikh said once more that Hizbullah refused UN envoy Terje Roed-Larsen`s proposal to merge the resistance`s military wing into the Army.
Asked about the status of the presidency, Qassem urged the March 14 Forces to admit their "failure" to topple President Emile Lahoud and their inability to come up with a sole candidate for the presidency.
"They have proposed three names, including MP Michel Aoun, in a bid to escape commitment to one person," he said.
The sheikh went on to say that should the February 14 members put forth Aoun`s name for the post in the coming dialogue session scheduled for next Tuesday, Hizbullah would make their position clear.
But Qassem added that Lahoud should abide by the Constitution and remain in office until the end of his extended term.
As for a recent meeting between resistance leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and MP Saad Hariri, Qassem said: "Hizbullah is keen on ameliorating its relation with the Future Movement, but it does not mean that it agrees with Hariri`s positions regarding Lebanese questions."
Asked about the foiled assassination attempt on Nasrallah, he said the terrorist network accused of having plotted the attack was "real," but that political pressures applied to army intelligence had forced the investigation to be handed to the judiciary before an adequate probe was conducted.
He also called on the government to focus on socio-economic conditions in Lebanon, and vowed Hizbullah would work to meet the people`s needs.