Qassem Optimistic about Success of Syrian-Saudi Initiative before Indictment
Hizbullah deputy Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem expressed optimism that the Syrian-Saudi initiative would solve the Lebanese crisis before the international tribunal issues its indictment in ex-Premier Rafik Hariri’s assassination case.
“There is still an opportunity to find a solution but the door will not remain open forever,” Qassem told As Safir newspaper in remarks published Saturday.
He advised Premier Saad Hariri to beware of those sowing strife between him and Hizbullah. “The solution lies in agreement over eliminating unjust slander.”
When asked about a possible meeting between Hizbullah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Hariri, Qassem said there should be joint willingness to hold the talks and useful issues should be discussed so that the meeting becomes fruitful.
During a television interview on Friday, the Hizbullah deputy leader said the indictment is politicized and not based on real evidence.
“An indictment that accuses Hizbullah is not just a political stance, but an assault against the Resistance and Lebanon,” he said.
I would like to ask Sheikh Qassem, if we are all Lebanese why should we wait for Syria and Saudi Arabia to work a compromise between us? Are we retarded? Can't we talk to each other and reach an agreement?
I think we should be mature enough ro work out our differences between Lebanese.
There is no need for foreign interference.