March 14 Backs Mustaqbal-Hizbullah Talks, Urges 'Activating' Border Watchtowers

The March 14 forces on Wednesday called for "activating" the UK-built military watchtowers on Lebanon's eastern border with Syria, as they voiced support for the upcoming dialogue between al-Mustaqbal movement and Hizbullah.

“The battle against terrorism is part of an international battle,” the March 14 General Secretariat said in a statement issued after its weekly meeting, noting that the government must “benefit from the global campaign by obtaining information and assets” that can help it in its anti-terror fight.

“This cooperation would be part of the international community's decision to protect Lebanon and preserve its sovereignty and stability, especially after the issuance of (U.N. Security Council) resolutions 1559 (in 2004) and 1701” in 2006, the general secretariat added.

Its statement comes three days after the British Telegraph newspaper reported that a UK team had saved the Bekaa border town of Ras Baalbek from a "massacre" by advancing Islamic State militants through constructing 12 military watchtowers in the area.

Separately, March 14 expressed its support for the expected dialogue between Mustaqbal and Hizbullah, noting that talks “remain the only way to safeguard domestic stability and rein in sectarian strife in order to preserve Lebanon.”

The secretariat, however, called for “expanding” the bilateral talks through the speedy election of a new president, hoping dialogue will include all political parties.

“Resolving the stalled issues is a joint national responsibility, even if some of them seem to be related to certain sects,” the General Secretariat added.

Nader Hariri, the adviser of Mustaqbal leader MP Saad Hariri, has held talks with Speaker Nabih Berri's aide Ali Hassan Khalil to set the stage for the anticipated dialogue between Hizbullah and Mustaqbal, al-Akhbar newspaper reported on Tuesday.

The current consultations are focusing on setting the agenda of the talks, which are expected to take place before the holidays.

As for the issue of the troops and policemen held hostage by al-Nusra Front and the Islamic State, March 14 called on ministers to reach a “unified stance” regarding the principle of negotiations and the possibility of making a swap deal, urging a “decisive” stance that can secure the release of the captives.

The servicemen were abducted in early august during deadly clashes with the Lebanese army in and around the Bekaa border town of Arsal.

Three hostages have already been killed by the two groups, and the country has been on edge for months over the fate of the remaining soldiers and policemen.

Y.R.

M.T.