The Lebanese Al Akhbar Newspaper reported on Thursday that the Secretary-General of Hizbullah, Hassan Nasrallah, visited Damascus 10 days ago and met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. According to the report, "they discussed regional issues including the position of the (Lebanese) majority (in Parliament) regarding the payment of Lebanon's share in the budget of the International Tribunal (to investigate former PM assassination)."
The newspaper added that Assad said he did not mind the financing of the court, and stressed the importance of the continuation of the current Lebanese government. He added his priority was to protect the resistance as it is being targeted by external factors. On his part, Nasrallah position was that the tribunal was a matter of principle for the resistance, and thus he can not approve its funding.
The newspaper added that Assad told his Shiite ally he would not oppose any decision as it was internal matter for the Lebanese. The Syrian leader said he would leave the decision on the tribunal financing to Hizbullah and its allies to evaluate the situation, which requires the resistance to consider its interests.
While the ministers of Hizbullah oppose the financing of tribunal, the opposition contends that if Lebanon stops the funding this will lead to a confrontation with the international community and raise question over Lebanon's credibility.
