Hizbullah Rules Out Aggression, Stresses Readiness

 
Source: al-Akhbar, 25-11-2008

Hizbullah's International Relations Official Nawwaf Moussawi ruled out the possibility of any aggression in the region, "because all nations are preoccupied with internal affairs." In remarks to the daily al-Akhbar published Tuesday, Moussawi, however, said ruling out any aggression does not mean Hizbullah is not ready to fight.

"The "Israelis", unlike what is being said, are not ready for any field battle. The resistance in Lebanon is more ready than the "Israeli" army to engage in a military battle," he emphasized. Ruling out an aggression, Moussawi added, does not mean that Hizbullah stops developing its capabilities and lifting its readiness parallel with launching preparations, which Hizbullah hasn't started yet, for legislative elections in 2009.

"We seek to make sure that everybody is represented and what is required is partnership in governance amongst all forces," Moussawi explained. He went on to say that both Hizbullah and the opposition have no suspicions that the coming parliamentary majority will not win their seats through a landslide victory, as is the case today. He expressed Hizbullah's confidence in Interior Minister Ziad Baroud and "his transparency to make elections democratic."

On MP General Michel Aoun of the Free Patriotic Movement's Defensive Strategy, Moussawi said that no one else has taken a similar position as Aoun, "and the most important element in his strategy was that he did bid on foreign relations and major states that can change their position" according to their interests.

He added that generalizing the culture of resistance, as suggested by Aoun, was in the interest of the country and emphasized the integration between the Lebanese army and the resistance.
"We fully trust this man. He's shown that he is the best on the Christian and patriotic levels and that he has foresight aimed at strengthening Lebanon's internal front and protect it from outside dangers. With whom can we ally, with (Lebanese Force chief) Samir Geagea or (Progressive Socialist Party leader) MP Walid Jumblatt?"

Moussawi explained that Jumblatt had made a visit to the US to explore the future of the US administration's position in Lebanon and the region. The Hizbullah official stressed Hizbullah still maintains its stance, "and we have no problem with anyone if he does not assail the resistance.

Our hands are extended for everybody, however, political and electoral alliances have been already decided and Hizbullah will never abandon those who supported it and backed the resistance since campaigns were launched against it."

On equipping the Lebanese army, Moussawi said that Hizbullah "utterly supports this choice so that it becomes capable of deterring any "Israeli" or terrorist attack, or at least obstruct any "Israeli" attempt to infiltrate or invade Lebanon." "The military institution, however, is unable to complete this task on its own. That's why the resistance is there, as a deterrent force," which can carry out military operations the classical army cannot fulfill.