Raad on Nasrallah-Hariri meeting: We want it to happen, but we are not in a rush
Source: Nowlebanon.com, 13-10-2008
Head of the Loyalty to the Resistance bloc MP Mohammad Raad spoke out about the proposed meeting between Future leader MP Saad Hariri and Hizbullah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah yesterday, saying that no one was rushing to hold the meeting.
Raad said that it had been agreed in principle to hold the meeting, but that the timing remains to be decided. "We want it to happen, and we are not in a rush," he said.
Raad said the meeting should have happened before Eid al-Fitr and Hariri's travel to Saudi Arabia, pointing out that a man traveling could not have a meeting with someone still resident in Lebanon. However, he said that logistical arrangements for the meeting would be made once Hariri returns.
In an interview with New TV on Sunday Raad said there could be no meeting without political content, and that the politics would be revised from previous stances, without assigning blame to anyone.
Raad said that Hizbullah has taken a basic step toward reconciliation. He called on the others to follow suit and share positive steps toward understanding each other. "Reconciliation only aims at removing tension from the streets, without meaning any change in political views and positions," he said.
Raad said that a change in positions should happen only through honesty after reconciliation. Discussion and dialogue must also happen and be reflected in the elections.
Raad said that Hizbullah has made, along with the Progressive Socialist Party, huge steps toward holding a meeting with PSP Leader Walid Jumblatt under the sponsorship of Minister Talal Arslan who is to choose an appropriate time. "This meeting will demonstrate to the public that we are both serious. The idea of the meeting has been approved by both," he said.
When asked whether meeting with Jumblatt was intended to move his position closer to Syria, Raad said, "We do not plot paths for anyone. We have our beliefs and our program; if coming close to them draws particular path for others, this is their choice."
Regarding previous accusations that Hizbullah has made, describing Jumblatt as a "criminal" Raad said, "In a fight, you use all weapons to create balance with your opponent. Once the fighting is over and personal revisions are completed, there is a chance to reconsider things."
Asked about whether a meeting with Lebanese Forces was expected, Raad said, "Some reconciliations are easy; others are complicated. With the Lebanese Forces it is complicated. Dr. Samir Geagea asks for reopening the files of the past. Geagea must take a personal step. As an observer keen for reconciliation Geagea knows the steps he should take," he said. Raad added that any reconciliation between political factions is in the country's interest.
Raad said that Hizbullah did not have a problem with meeting with Samir Geagea; however, there is a huge difference in opinions between the Resistance and LF, and to reach common points will require a lot of time.
Raad said that during the national dialogue he spoke to Geagea and told him clearly that he must take practical steps that do not obstruct reconciliation. Raad said that Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah met with Geagea during the national dialogue as well. "We might try to discuss and find common points with LF, but gradually. We do not know if LF has a clear view concerning future relation with "Israel". There are no doubts, there are questions," he said.
Raad said that no faction or community in Lebanon could be isolated; accordingly, Hizbullah is concerned with what happens in the Christian community. "Any isolation of any faction is unjustified," he said adding that it was untrue that Hizbullah wants to obstruct reconciliation in the Christian community.
Head of the Loyalty to the Resistance bloc MP Mohammad Raad spoke out about the proposed meeting between Future leader MP Saad Hariri and Hizbullah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah yesterday, saying that no one was rushing to hold the meeting.
Raad said that it had been agreed in principle to hold the meeting, but that the timing remains to be decided. "We want it to happen, and we are not in a rush," he said.
Raad said the meeting should have happened before Eid al-Fitr and Hariri's travel to Saudi Arabia, pointing out that a man traveling could not have a meeting with someone still resident in Lebanon. However, he said that logistical arrangements for the meeting would be made once Hariri returns.
In an interview with New TV on Sunday Raad said there could be no meeting without political content, and that the politics would be revised from previous stances, without assigning blame to anyone.
Raad said that Hizbullah has taken a basic step toward reconciliation. He called on the others to follow suit and share positive steps toward understanding each other. "Reconciliation only aims at removing tension from the streets, without meaning any change in political views and positions," he said.
Raad said that a change in positions should happen only through honesty after reconciliation. Discussion and dialogue must also happen and be reflected in the elections.
Raad said that Hizbullah has made, along with the Progressive Socialist Party, huge steps toward holding a meeting with PSP Leader Walid Jumblatt under the sponsorship of Minister Talal Arslan who is to choose an appropriate time. "This meeting will demonstrate to the public that we are both serious. The idea of the meeting has been approved by both," he said.
When asked whether meeting with Jumblatt was intended to move his position closer to Syria, Raad said, "We do not plot paths for anyone. We have our beliefs and our program; if coming close to them draws particular path for others, this is their choice."
Regarding previous accusations that Hizbullah has made, describing Jumblatt as a "criminal" Raad said, "In a fight, you use all weapons to create balance with your opponent. Once the fighting is over and personal revisions are completed, there is a chance to reconsider things."
Asked about whether a meeting with Lebanese Forces was expected, Raad said, "Some reconciliations are easy; others are complicated. With the Lebanese Forces it is complicated. Dr. Samir Geagea asks for reopening the files of the past. Geagea must take a personal step. As an observer keen for reconciliation Geagea knows the steps he should take," he said. Raad added that any reconciliation between political factions is in the country's interest.
Raad said that Hizbullah did not have a problem with meeting with Samir Geagea; however, there is a huge difference in opinions between the Resistance and LF, and to reach common points will require a lot of time.
Raad said that during the national dialogue he spoke to Geagea and told him clearly that he must take practical steps that do not obstruct reconciliation. Raad said that Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah met with Geagea during the national dialogue as well. "We might try to discuss and find common points with LF, but gradually. We do not know if LF has a clear view concerning future relation with "Israel". There are no doubts, there are questions," he said.
Raad said that no faction or community in Lebanon could be isolated; accordingly, Hizbullah is concerned with what happens in the Christian community. "Any isolation of any faction is unjustified," he said adding that it was untrue that Hizbullah wants to obstruct reconciliation in the Christian community.
