Sheikh Qassem: Federalism Yields to Devastation

Source: Ad-Diyar, 1-12-2008

Hizbullah Deputy Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem said that the Resistance party was committed to the fair, just and capable State, declaring compliance with the Taif agreement. He also warned that federalism would yield to the country's devastation.

Speaking to Lebanese daily Ad-Diyar, Sheikh Qassem said that Hizbullah's project was obvious and announced. "Everything we do, we announce it clearly," his eminence declared, adding that everyone can witness the political, social, cultural, practical conduct adopted by the party. "If anyone wanted to account us or discuss our project, he should return to our ethics and political address," Sheikh Qassem pointed out.

His eminence touched on national dialogue over the country's defense strategy and other main issues. "If there were no differences in views, then the dialogue would be useless," Sheikh Qassem said, stressing that differences were strategic and thus, need deep discussions to reach consensus on such a sensitive and fateful topic.

"We don't deny that there are two views in Lebanon and this cannot be settled through media protests or political perils but through calm discussions in which each party presents his own vision,'' his eminence noted. He called for searching for common points and then seeking to handle differences with wisdom and prudence.

Meanwhile, the Hizbullah Deputy Secretary General Hizbullah renewed his party's insistence on the organization of the parliamentary elections, but said no one can assert whether they will be held on time or not.

Sheikh Qassem announced that the opposition's lists will be announced in mid-January. He went on to say that Hizbullah and the Amal Movement represent the majority within the Shia community. "Elections are there for those who have any objections," Sheikh Qassem added.