A Hizbullah delegation held talks on Friday with Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi on the latest local developments, particularly a new government and parliamentary electoral law.
It said after the talks at Bkirki: “Proposals to form a neutral government are not realistic and we oppose the obstruction of state institutions.”
The delegation was headed by Hizbullah's politburo chief Sayyed Ibrahim Amin al-Sayyed.
He added: “A new electoral law must grant real representation and preserve partnership among the Lebanese people and in the political authority.”
He said: “When we say we back proportional representation in a parliamentary electoral law, then we mean that we reject the 1960s law.”
“Those who want to obstruct discussions on the new electoral law should be held accountable for their actions before the Lebanese people. Those obstructing the consultations want the adoption of the 1960s law,” he added.
“We stressed that no matter how great the problems, they should be resolved through dialogue and consultations,” Sayyed continued.
He therefore highlighted the need for the national dialogue that was called for by President Michel Suleiman as a means to solve the problems in Lebanon.
“The Lebanese people are bound by dialogue, not by obstructing state institutions,” he remarked.
The Lebanese people are bound by dialogue, not by obstructing state institutions
On demands to form a new government, he commented: “We are not demanding a change in government. The current government exists and it should assume its responsibilities.” “Proposals to form a neutral government are not realistic,” he said of opposition calls for the formation of a new cabinet.
Addressing the March 14-led opposition's boycott of government work, including the national dialogue, Sayyed stated: “No side can obstruct the state's activity.”
“Problems in Lebanon cannot be solved through accusations and by eliminating the other,” he explained.
“Regardless of the accusations, we must return to dialogue to protect our country and whoever is keen on Lebanon should adopt a more cautious approach,” Sayyed noted after meeting al-Rahi.
