Sayyed Nasrallah: We’re Part of Global War on Coronavirus, No for New Taxes on the Poor

Zeinab Essa

Hezbollah Secretary General His Eminence Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah delivered on Friday a speech in which he tackled the latest developments, particularly the spread of COVID-19 [Coronavirus].

Stating that “We’re in front of a global war in which all countries and peoples are engaged,” Sayyed Nasrallah highlighted that this virus turned to a concern of the entire world.”

“We’re in front of a mysterious enemy i.e. unknown in its aspects, but which threats are limitless and have become clear to the entire world,” he added, noting that “We’re facing a great and expanding threat that we must confront. We should neither surrender nor be frightened.”

Meanwhile, His Eminence underscored that “All losses in the economy, education and so on can be compensated, except for the loss of lives.”

On the type of the confrontation, Sayyed Nasrallah stressed that “The responsibility must be general and comprehensive, and all have specific functions and tasks. In this type of battle, everything related to health work is on the front line.”

Calling for considering health workers as front-line officers and soldiers, His Eminence confirmed that “All authorities in Lebanon, citizens and residents must shoulder their responsibilities.”

“The goal of the battle now is to preserve people's lives by preventing the spread of the virus and treating the infected,” he added, noting that “Treating the infected cases is scientifically and realistically possible.”

Meanwhile, Sayyed Nasrallah explained that “preventing the spread of the virus is necessary, but it requires will, patience, and responsibility.” In this context, he said: “China’s experience indicates that the pandemic can be contained.”

Warning against bickering over the coronavirus issue, he stressed that “This battle is neither to settle scores, nor to politicize things. The continuation of the debate will only lead to more hatred among people.”

Sayyed Nasrallah further sent an advice to the Lebanese: “Let us not to divide Coronavirus ethnically, religiously or regionally. Coronavirus is an epidemic that does not have borders or limits.”

“The duty is to preserve yourself and your life, the safety of your family, and the people around you. This is a legitimate and religious duty. It is a religious duty to abide by the instructions of the health authorities,” His Eminence went on to say.

According to the Resistance Leader, “In the battle with Coronavirus we are before a humanitarian battle par excellence.”

As His Eminence urged all Lebanese to be transparent if they have any symptoms, Sayyed Nasrallah said: “Even if we reach high tolls in infected or deaths, the whole truth must be available to people. The Lebanese Health Ministry has been transparent from day one. Quarantine is a duty and infected person has to inform about it.”

“All claims about a cover-up by the Lebanese Health ministry or Hezbollah are baseless and mere lies,” he added.

In addition, he hailed the fact that “The religious authorities have put Friday prayers [in mosques] on hold because there’s today what is more important and must be paid attention to.”

“Whether Christian or Muslim ... we have a duty to care for ourselves, our family and those around us. You will be asked about this on Judgment Day, and violation of this duty is a great sin,” His Eminence mentioned.

Sayyed Nasrallah further underscored that “The UK wasn’t transparent in announcing the number of infected persons. And Trump is the biggest liar on earth.”

“It is shameful that the Gulf media restored to gloating the infection of Iranian officials, including those who fight against the virus from the position of their profession,” His Eminence emphasized, pointing that “The Iranian officials have been transparent about the coronavirus cases.”

To the Lebanese, Sayyed Nasrallah sent a sounding message: “Consider that you are in a state of war. There should be no meetings or activities.”

Urging people to fully abide by the government's instructions, His Eminence said: “We are very grateful to all the medical teams working in the fight against Coronavirus, and we have to support them financially and morally.”

“We have to prepare for the most difficult possibilities,” he added, noting that “Hezbollah puts all its capabilities, health cadres, manpower and institutions at the government’s disposal.”

Announcing that “It’s the Lebanese government that must take the decision to declare a state of emergency,” Sayyed Nasrallah stressed that “Any medical personnel involved in fighting the virus must be considered a martyr if he dies while performing his duty.”

“We have to help each other in this crisis, especially the rich must help the poor,” he said.

Moreover, His Eminence urged the Lebanese banks to act responsibly. “You have a lot of money and you have made huge profit and now you must shoulder your responsibility. You are the first side that must offer help to the government, the health sector and social solidarity, so that the people and the country can triumph.”

In response, Sayyed Nasrallah underscored that “The virus can be defeated if everyone takes responsibility and plays their part. Spreading fear and weakness among people is a crime.”

“The choice is not surrender... The entire government as well as the judiciary, Parliament, Army, security forces, municipalities are responsible. The Lebanese people also carry great responsibility, along with refugees and the displaced.”

Regarding his party’s participation in the government, the Resistance Leader said: “There are those who said that the government is implementing a Hezbollah plan, but we did not even present a plan. A participatory plan is required and everyone is responsible for this.”

“We do not mind that the government receives advice from any side in the world. We don’t mind that any party provides an unconditional assistance within the political controls adopted by the state, we do not mind that. We accept conditional aid, but given that the conditions neither contradict the Lebanese constitution nor affect the Lebanese sovereignty and national interest.”

On this level, His Eminence declared that “An example of the conditions rejected by Hezbollah is a raise on the value-added tax or the resettlement of Palestinian refugees.”

“We are against any raise on the taxes on the poor,” he announced, confirming that “Reform, fighting corruption, transparency and judicial independence are excellent conditions that we have asked for.”