Qassem Lauds Army Deployment in North, Stresses Government Provides Stability
Hizbullah deputy leader Sheikh Naim Qassem on Sunday hailed the army for “protecting the Lebanese border” and rejected alleged efforts to transform Lebanon into a launchpad for settling political scores.
During a ceremony held in the Ghobeiri neighborhood of Beirut’s southern suburbs, Qassem “saluted the Lebanese army that is safeguarding the Lebanese border, particularly in the northern areas.”
His comments came amid large-scale criticism by the March 14-led opposition of what it called raids carried out by the army in northern towns and villages.
The coalition says the military leadership decided to deploy troops in the North to arrest armed men allegedly belonging to the rebel Free Syrian Army which is fighting Syria's government troops.
“We reject to transform Lebanon into a launchpad for attacks against others, a place where to score political gains or implement the projects of the United States and Israel,” the Hizbullah secretary-general said.
Turning to the government crisis, he reiterated that “it was in everybody’s interest to continue (the work) of the cabinet that has provided political and security stability to Lebanon.”
He urged it to resume sessions and resolve its problems calmly away from the media glare.
President Michel Suleiman suspended cabinet sessions on Feb. 1 upon the request of Premier Najib Miqati after he bickered with Free Patriotic Movement ministers on posts in state institutions.
Miqati is insisting not to call for government sessions unless he receives assurances from the ministers that the cabinet would be productive.
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