Sheikh Qassem: Hizbullah ready to open new page with rivals
Issue of group's weapons should be left to national dialogue
Source: Reuters, 10-6-2009

BEIRUT: Hizbullah said on Wednesday it was ready to open a new page with its US-backed rivals but would wait to see what they offer before deciding on joining any coalition government.
"Hizbullah has decided to turn the page on the last phase and open a new page for the coming stage," Sheikh Naim Qassem told Reuters in an interview. "We will also behave in a highly positive manner and cooperate with the other side."

He said it would be up to the other side to show goodwill.
"We will wait for what the other side offers. If it decides on a program, a vision and a method that is different from the past and that opens new horizons, they will find us by their side," Qassem said. "But if issues remain as before at a state of tension and monopoly [of power], then we will take a stand."

Hizbullah and its allies have veto power in the outgoing Cabinet, a contentious point at the heart of much of the political wrangling over the past four years. Qassem said the group and its allies had not yet agreed a common position on the new government. He would not comment on whether veto power would be a condition for their participation.

"We don't have a pre-determined or final position," he said.
Asked whether the resistance movement and it allies might stay out of the next government, he said: "All options are open on how to deal with the government. This is linked to what we are offered because we will not participate at any cost."

Hariri, whose father Rafik, a former premier, was assassinated in 2005, has said that he will consult allies on whether to take the post of prime minister. Parliament is expected to nominate a new premier by the end of the month.

Qassem said Hariri, also an ally of Saudi Arabia, was "a strong candidate" for the role, but added that it was up to the majority to decide. "The test is the program, not the name of the prime minister," he said.

Hizbullah is a political and guerrilla group that has battled "Israeli" forces for a quarter of a century. Its rivals have consistently challenged its status as an armed group resisting "Israel" and demanded that it disarm.

Qassem said the fate of Hizbullah's weapons was not an issue for the new government but rather a matter for leaders to discuss during meetings chaired by President Michel Suleiman.
"The new government will not be faced with a debate entitled 'the weapons.' This matter is left for the dialogue."