Sayyed Nasrallah Urges Calm: Hariri’s Resignation Purely Saudi
Zeinab Essa
Hezbollah Secretary General His Eminence Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah delivered on Sunday a speech in which he addressed the latest political developments resembled by the resignation of Lebanese Prime Minister, Saad Hariri.
Recalling the recent threats by the Saudi minister Thamer Sabhan, Sayyed Nasrallah mentioned: "A few days ago, a Saudi official said that Hezbollah was to be toppled from the government."
Meanwhile, His Eminence revealed that "upon Hariri's return from his last visit to Saudi Arabia, he told everyone in the cabinet that Saudi Arabia supports Lebanon's stability and security in Lebanon and the presence of the current government."
However, according to Sayyed Nasrallah, "everyone and even the Future Movement was surprised with Hariri's resignation."
"This created a state of anxiety in Lebanon and especially with the rumors that accompanied it," he added, noting that "Hezbollah did not hope that this resignation would happen."
In parallel, His Eminence highlighted that "the government scored a lot of achievements and it had the ability to survive until the upcoming parliamentary elections."
Sayyed Nasrallah added that there were no signs that Hariri had planned his exit. "Hariri's rhetoric over the past week looked toward his future plans as prime minister. He didn't have the intention to resign," he said.
Underscoring that the resignation was a Saudi decision and that Hariri was forced to resign, he viewed that the Lebanese official's speech was recited. "It was written by a Saudi figure and it was not his usual rhetoric."
"Is forcing Hariri to resign caused by an internal Lebanese factor?" Sayyed Nasrallah wondered, affirming that "certainly this is not the case."
In addition, Sayyed Nasrallah asserted that Hezbollah was "not hoping for this resignation and things were moving forward in a reasonable manner."
He further went on to say: "We will not comment on Hariri's resignation content despites its very harsh and dangerous language, because we believe that this text is a purely a Saudi one."
"Some people in Lebanon say the prime minister has been angry with some people and currents, but these remarks are not accurate and the main reason behind his resignation should be sought in Saudi Arabia," he added.
His Eminence stressed that Hariri's decision has created concern among the Lebanese people and the recent developments have prompted every political party to take a position.
"Is there a Saudi scheme to attack Lebanon and thus this plan falls in the context of a big battle?" Sayyed Nasrallah asked, pointing out that "until now, no one knows what happened and this is something that we need to look at."
Meanwhile, he asked: "If he made the announcement in Riyadh, then why wasn't he allowed to come back to Lebanon?"
His Eminence even asked whether Hariri is being held against his will, referring to a purge of princes, ministers and businessmen in Saudi Arabia. "Al-Arabiya's talk about an assassination attempt, perhaps aims to prevent Hariri's later return to Lebanon.
Unveiling that "Hezbollah will act with all responsibility and calm," Sayyed Nasrallah urged all sides to preserve the most precious thing we have in Lebanon i.e. security."
He also called for avoiding political escalation. "Escalation against us will not achieve anything but will rather reflect negatively on the country," he said.
"We call for avoiding a return to the previous tensions or to any street protests," His Eminence confirmed, affirming "our concern for Lebanon's security, stability and civil peace."
He added that President Michel Aoun and House Speaker, Nabih Berri, were doing their job without any problem and were awaiting Hariri's return from Saudi Arabia, "if he is allowed to come back."
"All of us must remain calm within legal frameworks ... and I don't think that there is any party to clan in Lebanon whose interests are in Lebanon returning to chaotic conditions of the past," he noted.
On rumors relating Hariri's resignation with an "Israeli" aggression, Sayyed Nasrallah stressed that "Israel" doesn't work for Saudi Arabia.
"Any "Israeli" aggression against Lebanon is based on "Israeli" calculations," he said, pointing out that "All "Israelis" have unanimously agreed since the July War that "Israel" will only go to war with Lebanon if the cost is low and victory is guaranteed."
Regarding the talk of a Saudi aggression on Lebanon, His Eminence assured: "Before Saudi Arabia launches a ‘Storm of Firmness' against Lebanon, it must emerge from the its Storm of Firmness in Yemen."
Source: Al-Ahed news
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