Sayyed Nasrallah: Takfiri, ’Israeli’ Threats Existential, Chance to Have ‘A Made in Lebanon’ President

Local Editor

Hizbullah Secretary General, His Eminence Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, declared that the party has chosen the name of its presidential candidate.

In the second part of an interview with as-Safir Lebanese daily, Sayyed Nasrallah confirmed that they will wait for the right time to proclaim the candidate's name, as it will come in coordination with Hizbullah's political allies.

Commenting on the candidacy of Lebanese Forces chief, Samir Geagea's, candidacy, His Eminence said: "Aside from our assessment of Dr. Geagea, his positions, biography, and political objectives, and aside from assessment of any "March 14" candidate, it is natural and logical that we support and endorse the presidential candidate, who will seek to bring the major national interest- which we aspire."
In parallel, Sayyed Nasrallah confirmed that, "The next president could be ‘made in Lebanon,'" adding that there were signs that the presidential election would take place on time.

"We are in front of a real opportunity to choose a ‘made in Lebanon' president?, and to complete the presidential elections based on an internal national decision," he viewed.
Moreover, he added that, "The general atmosphere in the country is an atmosphere of holding the presidential vote on time."
"The local factors will be influential more than ever regarding the presidential election, and therefore, an opportunity lies ahead of us to elect a ‘made in Lebanon' president," Sayyed Nasrallah affirmed.

On the same level, Sayyed Nasrallah warned that the differing on the president, and thus, the end of the specified, natural, and legal time will lead to vacuum. "This would open the door to international or regional intervention."
"If the political forces and parliamentary blocs are not able to elect a president from now until May 25, every day, hour and minute will pass pressure on the political forces to elect a new president."

In response to a question, Sayyed Nasrallah held some Christians responsible for disrupting the arrival of the most representative candidate to the Presidency.

His Eminence further reiterated that Hizbullah's position from the presidential extension is decisive. "The threat of vacuum should not scare the Lebanese people."
"Bkirki was at the forefront of calling for the election of a new President," he recalled.

On another level, the Resistance Leader asserted that President Michel Suleiman's recent remarks have ended his role as a national dialogue moderator, given that this dialogue addresses the defense strategy with all its importance.
"There is no problem with either starting a political dialogue or opening channels in any of the levels with the ‘Future Movement,'" he announced, pointing out that he doesn't want "to hold any party responsible for the interruption of dialogue in recent years."

Regarding the recently declared security plan, Sayyed Nasrallah hailed the unprecedented security plan that is being implemented by security forces in the North and the Bekaa following a cabinet decision, stressing that it must be accompanied by, "a comprehensive political, economic, social and developmental approach."
He also underscored the importance of conducting real reconciliations between all the political movements and groups, expressing Hizbullah's openness to dialogue.
Commenting on the developments that followed the vote of confidence, which was won by Prime Minister Tammam Salam's government, His Eminence lauded the new government's productivity and the reactivation of the parliament's work.

He also urged, "completing the administrative appointments."
In response to the claims that Hizbullah and the Amal Movement politically cover up for some gangs in the Bekaa Valley, Sayyed Nasrallah stressed that, "Hizbullah did not and will not cover any case of corruption in Lebanon."
"We are keen to protect our ranks from corruption. Thus, we are decisive in dealing with these issues," he said.

On equipping the Lebanese Army, Sayyed Nasrallah reiterated his support for any foreign aid, whomever the supporting side.
He also expressed his confidence in the LA's doctrine by saying, "This institution has a national and clear ideology that had been manifested through experience, performance, and sacrifices all over the past years."

His Eminence further emphasized the good relationship between the army and the resistance, particularly in the south of the Litani River.
"The resistance needs a consolidated and cohesive society and a strong, capable and just state," added Sayyed Nasrallah, noting that, "the current circumstances are not befitting for searching for means to improve the political system in Lebanon."
Emphasizing the primacy of the state-building, Hizbullah Secretary General said, "We are serious in seeking a strong, capable, and fair state."
"We are not a substitute for the state in any matter. Even on the resistance level, when our state becomes capable and strong and has the possibility to defend Lebanon, we in the resistance will go back to our schools, universities, religious institutions and fields."

Separately, Sayyed Nasrallah reiterated the assertion that the "Israeli" and Takfiris are two existential threats.

He also supported the Saudi-Iranian rapprochement as well as any Arab and Islamic effort that seeks? to reduce the losses.

His Eminence expressed his belief that Lebanon does not constitute an incubator for the Takfiris. He stated, "Hizbullah refused to have a jihadist faction in Palestine. We are for all of Palestine."