Saniora: Open War on Israel Harms Hizbullah as well as Islamic, Arab Causes
Prime Minister Fouad Saniora said Lebanon has no interest in an “open war” on Israel worldwide, saying this would harm Hizbullah as well as the Islamic and Arab causes.
“I don”t believe we have an interest to wage an open war worldwide because this would be harmful to Hizbullah as well as to the Islamic and Arab causes,” Saniora said in a late Friday interview with Fututre News TV.
“We have had an earlier experience. We must not repeat this experience,” Saniora said in reference to the
2006 war between Israeli and Hizbullah.
Hizbullah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on Thursday declared “open war” on Israel worldwide after accusing the Jewish state of killing his top commander Imad Mughniyeh outside the battleground.
“I believe that Nasrallah”s so called “open war” declaration was misinterpreted,” Saniora said.
Going back to the 2006 summer war issue, Saniora said he did “what was to serve my country and I don”t regret any decision I took.”
He accused Hizbullah of contradicting itself by labelling the government “illegitimate,” yet at the same time demanding financial compensation for the damages of the July war.
On the political crisis in Lebanon, Saniora said that the government will stay as long as it has the majority”s confidence.
Saniora urged Nasrallah as well as FPM leader Gen. Michel Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to “do what is best for an independent, Arab, free, diverse Lebanon.”
He called for electing a president followed by resumption of roundtable talks.
“Lebanon can”t be built except through constructive and continuous dialogue between its factions.”
On relations between Iran and Syria, Saniora said Lebanon must contribute in brokering a historical reconciliation between Tehran and the Arab world.
“We have deep-rooted cultural and historical relationships with Iran. We reject any attack on Iran, yet we reject its attempts to dominate Lebanon,” Saniora explained.
“We don”t want Lebanon to become an arena for regional conflicts.
“We seek excellent relationships with all Arab nations and on top with sisterly Syria.
“We demanded Syrian troops withdrawal from Lebanon but not to replaced by American or Iranian or French or Israeli hegemony.
“Lebanon is an independent country and must be dealt with accordingly.
Saniora urged Nasrallah to stop accusations of treason against the majority March 14 Forces.
“We must stop accusing each other of treachery and start building trust with Hizbullah.
Saniora reiterated that the Arab League initiative stripped the parliamentary majority of its ability to impose its policies and the opposition of its ability to block decision-making “but they rejected it.”
He said electing a president before the upcoming Arab Summit was essential.
“Should the Arab summit be held without Lebanese participation? I leave the decision for the Arabs.