"This means that it will be a criminal offence to belong to, raise funds and encourage support for the military wing of this organization," Junior Home Office Minister Tony McNulty said in a statement.

There are now 45 international organizations on the list.

Hezbollah's external security organization was already banned, but this has been extended to a ban on the party's entire military structure.

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 Organization, 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 the Occupied Palestinian Territories that the government has taken this action." McNulty said

He also noted that the 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." McNulty added

Share this Article:           
Feedback? We want to hear your thoughts!