Al-Khalil: We will not wait endlessly for diplomacy to liberate Shibaa Farms

Source: Hizbollah Staff, 02-03-2009

The political aide to the Secretary General of "Hizbullah", Hajj Hussein al-Khalil, stressed that to disarm Hizbullah is not on the national dialogue table, adding that what is being discussed between the parties is how Hizbullah's weapon can form a part of the defense strategy for Lebanon.

At the same time he emphasized that Hizbullah strongly supports arming and supplying the Lebanese army with the latest of weapons, to form an air defense system to reduce "Israeli" aircraft incursions into Lebanon's skies. However, America and "Israel" will not allow it.

He noted in a interview with the Qatari "al-Sharq" (the east) newspaper, that the two teams in Lebanon, the opposition and pro-government forces, are seeking to strengthen the security calm in accordance with the Doha Agreement, which brought about the national unity government.

Asked if Hizbullah's weapon is linked to the liberation of the (occupied) Shibaa Farms, Hajj Khalil denied that and said, "let those near and far know that Hizbullah weapon is not linked to the liberation of the Shibaa Farms", and added saying, that "the party (Hizbullah) would not wait endlessly for diplomatic efforts for the liberation of the Shibaa Farms."

Regarding the rockets that were launched from South Lebanon during the Gaza war, Hizbullah secretary-general's political aide denied the Party had any knowledge or had given directions for the firing of such rockets from southern Lebanon into "Israel", pointing out that "the south has many forces, movements and parties."

Khalil did not confirm or deny circulated reports about the discovery of a number of operations Hizbullah had planned to carry out abroad in retaliation for the assassination of the party's military commander Imad Moghnieh. Yet, he affirmed that "retaliation for Moghnieh's assassination is imminent; the blood of martyrs is not cheap", emphasizing that "Hizbullah does not make statements or give promises that are not translated into actions on the ground."

Regarding the International Tribunal on the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, Khalil said, "Hizbullah was not given the opportunity to participate in the formulation of the court's structure or voice essential remarks aimed at securing Lebanon's sovereignty."

Khalil stressed that "the party would not accept anything that infringes on the sovereignty of Lebanon. Furthermore, Hizbullah will not accept a ‘politicized' judiciary, whether it is this or any other court."

He drew attention to that "Hizbullah's point of view was not taken into consideration, nor was it allowed to participate or present any point of view regarding the law and the Protocol. However, if you yourself, ask me about an international court, I tell you of course we must get to the truth, we must call Hariri's killers to account. But if you ask me if I have faith or confidence in those presiding over and dealing with this court, I say I do not know."

Hajj Khalil also welcomed any rapprochement between Syria and Saudi Arabia, and said that such convergence will positively reflect on the Lebanese arena.