Sheikh Yazbek: Hajj, "A Show of Islamic Solidarity" US diktats to majority leads to complication of the situation i

Sheikh Yazbek: Hajj, "A Show of Islamic Solidarity"
US diktats to majority leads to complication of the situation in Lebanon
Source: Alalam.ir, 19-12-2007
SAUDI ARABIA--A member of the Decision-Making Council of Lebanon's resistance movement Hezbollah says Hajj rituals demonstrate the highest degree of solidarity and unity among Muslims.
Speaking to Alalam, Sheikh Mohammad Yazbak said the united Islamic logic, stance and beliefs become evident in the annual spiritual journey to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
He said Muslims gather at the site of the House of God to perform Hajj rituals to distance themselves from suppression, tyranny and rebellion against God.
Citing the challenges before of the world of Islam, the Hezbollah member warned against conspiracies hatched by the US and its Western allies to sow the seeds of discord among Muslims.
As a case in point, Yazbak said the plots by enemies of Islam are rampant in Iraq.
He asserted, "Muslim brethren will close ranks to nip the plots in the bud and deal a crushing blow to the conspirators".
Meanwhile, Yazbak praised the role of religious scholars in raising public awareness and promotion of unity within the Muslim world.
Commenting on recent developments in Lebanon, he said: "The global arrogance tried to drag Lebanon into chaos and bring about the greater Middle East plan... but we managed to put out the raging fire".
Lebanon has been without president since Emile Lahoud left office at the end of his term last month.
The government-backed majority and the opposition in the Mediterranean country are trying to elect a president to fill the vacant post.
Yazbak said the problem with Lebanon is not only electing a consensus president but coming to terms on deep political divides which have marred the whole nation.
The Lebanese politician dismissed the majority claims that "they are willing to compromise their demands with the opposition".
He warned foreign countries against interfering in Lebanese internal affairs and pointed to the recent trip by David Welch, US assistant secretary for Near Eastern affairs, saying the trip is shrouded in ambiguities.
Yazbak said US diktats to the majority leads to complication of the situation in Lebanon and would derail the political process.
He said: "Such measures are a source of concern" and "the US should leave the Lebanese to their own devices so they can find a solution to the impasse".
Wiping away accusations that Iran and Syria are interfering in Lebanon, he said the West tries to use these countries as scapegoat, but "realities on the ground are different".
Yazbak recommended the feuding Lebanese parties sit at the negotiating table and hammer out their difference to reach a settlement.