Local Editor, 01-01-2009

Hizbullah International Relations Officer Ammar Moussawi told LBCI television on Thursday that the Lebanese should not feel threatened, adding that Hizbullah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah's speech on the occasion of Ashoura on Sunday "meant to reassure rather than provoke."

Moussawi said security services must investigate Saturday's explosion in Haret Hreik, which resulted in the death of two Hamas officials. He urged Military Investigative Judge Rahif Ramadan, who is handling the case, to speak up should there be any obstacles or obstruction in the process.

"The reports saying that the cabinet was formed last month under the pressure of Hizbullah's arms are shameful," he added. He also said Hizbullah's arms target "Israel", and not Lebanese.