By Nabil Al Mulhem
Albawaba.com - Damascus
The Lebanese member of Parliament and head of Hizbollah’s politburo, Mohammad Ra'ad has said that the formation of the new Lebanese government was based on a quota and intended to satisfy all Lebanese political adversaries.
In a statement to Albawaba.com on Wednesday, Ra’ad added that these were the reasons why Hizbollah refused to join the government in the first place. According to the Hizbolah official, “the government has no clear vision,” in which country's national interests are given priority.
From the Islamic movement’s point of view, to complete the liberation of the south is a number one priority, while “other factions see it as a secondary issue.”
Ra'ad, who had turned down an offer to hold a portfolio, said he had no idea regarding American pressure on Hariri not to include Hizbollah in the cabinet. He added that if the American Administration had exerted pressure, “it would have been an honor for us.”
Responding to a question regarding the Israeli prisoners of war captured by Hizbollah last month and whether, Ra'ad said that German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder had indirectly discussed the subject with Hizbollah.
He added that many international organizations offered mediation, “but the right time to reveal these offers and the identity of mediators has not yet come.”
Regarding the Iranian plane which was intercepted and inspected by the Turkish authorities on suspicion that it was carrying weapons, Ra'ad said that he has no information on that but “we can give our opinion on the matter, when the investigations are completed.”
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
