Sheikh Qassem talks: Hizbullah, UNIFIL incident, and government formation
Hizbullah Deputy Secretary-General, His Eminence Sheikh Naim Qassem, said during in a interview with the Qatari Al-Watan newspaper, to be later published, that during the period between the 2006 aggression and its third anniversary, we saw several notable things occur during these three years:
First: the sound of "Israel's" failure resounded throughout, while the resistance emerged as a force of resilience and defense, capable of putting an end to the momentum of the "Israeli" project, and able to hinder its subsequent steps, disconcerting the "Israeli" society and "Israel's" international sponsors whose their plan was to introduce amendments to the region that open the door to a new Middle East through Lebanon's gateway.
Second: The existence of a real effective resistance force was now a proven fact and not mere media, political and mobilization statements, it is a force that helps protect Lebanon, and helps "Israelis" reflect and think twice before taking any steps.
Third: During this period we have been able to offer a model and an experience in reconstruction, a complex and very difficult undertaking, however, we have achieved significant steps, and seen popular inter- social-sponsorships and solidarity emerge beside the resistance as a rich indication that strengthens the presence of the resistance and enhances Lebanon's strength.
Fourth: During these three years, local, regional and international developments occurred, including the assault on Gaza, Bush's fall, Obama's arrival into office, the developments in Iraq, the steadfastness of Iran and Syria, as well as Lebanon's ability to prevent America's tutelage from controlling its course. All of these developments resolved the Lebanese political process, particularly after the Doha agreement, bringing us face to face with a clear vision which everyone followed manifesting in a Lebanon in need of its resistance.
Regarding the incident in Khirbet Silim town and what occurred there, he said:
The explosion that occurred in the town of Khirbet Silim is a natural occurrence related to missile remnants collected in this place during and after "Israel's" departure from Lebanon, it is a partial and simple matter that was treated in coordination with the Lebanese army, and there is no violation of resolution 1701 there. Now for "Israel" to blow this issue out of proportion is an attempt to divert attention away from its occupation of some points in Kafr Shouba, and to also provide cover for its continuing daily flights into Lebanese air space and its assaults by means of espionage networks.
Such maneuvers will not absolve "Israel" of its responsibility; conversely Hizbullah is not in the circle of accusation.
Hence, an error occurred and the UNIFIL forces bear its responsibility in that they attempted to enter and raid a house on their own initiative without coordination with the Lebanese army, especially since the UN Resolution gives sole authority to the Lebanese Army to take such initiative, whilst the role of the UNIFIL forces is limited to extending it with assistance.
On the government formation and the reasons for the delay, he said:
There is a central point in the government formation that forms the launch portal, particularly since the Prime Minister-designate Hariri does not want to form a national unity government without the opposition's participation. This is because he believes good management of the country is but with the participation of all parties, and this is good healthy thinking, with such vision he has hit the nail on its head.
The opposition on the other hand, considers a national unity government is the solution, within which they want active participation, refusing to be mere numbers in the Cabinet. Therefore, we now await PM Hariri's stand, he has the say as to what can be done to ensure the success of this government.
Meanwhile, Hizbullah and the opposition have opted not to speak through the media as per set terms and counter-conditions so as not to impede the formation of the government, but we confined ourselves to the basic headings: Effective participation and not mere false witnesses in Cabinet, as for implementation, a detailed discussion of which took place between us and PM Hariri.
