Gov”t moves to ban Hezbollah”s military wing
The government on Wednesday moved to ban the military wing of the Shiite Lebanese movement Hezbollah, adding it to its list of designated terrorist groups, the Home Office said.
"This means that it will be a criminal offence to belong to, fundraise and encourage support for the military wing of the organisation," junior Home Office minister Tony McNulty said in a statement.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith laid an order in parliament that would proscribe Hezbollah”s entire military wing.
If approved by parliament, the order would substitute the existing proscription against the External Security Organisation, which the British government considers as Hezbollah”s "terrorist wing".
"Hezbollah”s military wing is providing active support to militants in Iraq who are responsible for attacks both on coalition forces and on Iraqi civilians, including providing training in the use of deadly roadside bombs," McNulty said.
"Hezbollah”s military wing also provides support to Palestinian terrorist groups in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, such as Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
"It is because of this support for terrorism in Iraq and Occupied Palestinian Territories that the government has taken this action.
"Proscription of Hezbollah”s military wing will not affect the legitimate political, social and humanitarian role Hezbollah plays in Lebanon, but it sends out a clear message that we condemn Hezbollah”s violence and support for terrorism," he said.