Lebanese PM: Hizbullah Key Component in Lebanon, Decision-Making

Local Editor

As Lebanon takes part in the Arab Summit, as-Safir newspaper said that the most difficult challenge facing the Lebanese delegation in Nouakchott is its stance on Hizbullah, amid attempts of blackmail imposed at the summit on the Lebanese state.

According to the Lebanese paper, some Gulf countries had reservations on the article on "solidarity with Lebanon". This, according to the paper, came in response to the reservations of Beirut on labeling Hizbullah a terrorist organization.

Asked on how to resolve the Gulf reservation on the "solidarity article", Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam told As-Safir newspaper that "these countries have decided to disassociate themselves from this article, at the time Lebanon is communicating with some fellow Arab countries in an attempt to resolve the issue.

Salam assured that the Lebanese delegation will deal with labeling Hizbullah as "a terrorist group" just like it did in the past, reiterating "We have a clear stance, Hizbullah is a Lebanese party and a major component in the political structure of Lebanon, and we are keen on fortifying the internal front of Lebanon and on Lebanon's steadfastness in face of the current difficult situation."

Saudi Arabia had led the League, the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in issuing resolutions labeling Hizbullah as a "terrorist" party.

Source: As-Safir, Edited by website team