Suleiman: Hizbullah generated national resistance that liberated South Lebanon from "Israeli" occupation

Source: nowlebanon.com, 11-07-2008

In an interview with French weekly magazine l'Express, Lebanese president Michel Suleiman commented on the situation in Lebanon stating, "It is true that there are disputes among the groups that will be forming the government, but there are several points on which all Lebanese come together, and these points will be included in the government's plan of action."

Suleiman added saying, "Dealing with living conditions and pushing the economic wheel forward are among the government's priorities."

On the issue of Hizbullah he stated, "Hizbullah is a Lebanese party who generated a national resistance that liberated South Lebanon from the ‘Israeli' occupation. Therefore, it cannot be described as a terrorist group."

Suleiman added, "It is required that the defense strategy is designed to preserve the state's strength, and it will be discussed during the national dialogue that I will be calling for at the Baabda presidential palace very soon."

"The Lebanese support any side that makes efforts to achieve a comprehensive peace in the region from which Lebanon would benefit without bearing additional burdens," he stressed.

Suleiman added saying, "I will work to restore Lebanese-Syrian relations back normal, whereby we establish mutual respect for the sovereignty, borders and diplomats of both countries."