Lebanon’s PM wants both justice and stability, interview

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By: Babak Dehghanpisheh

Years after his father’s murder, Lebanon’s prime minister Saad Hariri wants both justice and stability. He was interviewed recently with Newsweek magazine on various issues .

Here is the full text of the interview

A U.N. tribunal has been investigating the murder of your father, former prime minister Rafik Hariri. Leaks indicate that several members of Hezbollah may be indicted, potentially setting off another round of sectarian violence. Are you faced with a choice between justice and stability?

Both are related. Without justice you won’t have stability.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has said that he will “cut off the hands” of anyone who tries to arrest a member of Hezbollah. What’s your reaction?

I think any political group would react in the same way. At the same time, my job is to unite the Lebanese. I think everybody should calm down.

Are you concerned that the indictments could lead to violence?

No. Violence would be a huge gift to those who want a divided Lebanon. When we are united, we are much more capable of facing the challenges that surround us.

Have you met with Nasrallah recently?

He has security problems and so do I, so we can’t meet. We have ministers in cabinet and members of Parliament, so if there’s something urgent we can ask for special assistance.

Is Syria regaining some of the influence it lost back in 2005?

Syria is a player, like Saudi [Arabia] is a player and Egypt is a player. I think Syria has been playing a positive role in the past year.

Was it difficult for you to take your first official trip to Syria last year?

We had our differences with Syria. We talked frankly. One has to make some important choices, and it is in the interest of Lebanon to have good relations with Syria.

You also just got back from your first official trip to Iran. Why did you decide to go now?

President Ahmadinejad came to Lebanon and had a good visit, so I went there. We would like to have a mutual understanding for bilateral interest between the two countries, but on the basis that we respect each other ’s sovereignty.

What has been the reaction of Hezbollah officials to your visit?

I thought they would welcome this visit. But certain statements that came out were a little bit weird for me, [indicated] that they weren’t too happy.

WikiLeaks recently released a cable that quoted you telling American officials that an attack on Iran is “necessary.” Did you say that?

This is totally untrue. I don’t think war is the way to solve the Iranian issue. I think dialogue is the only way to move forward. We said to the Iranians very clearly: a nuclear program that is peaceful is the right of any nation. But a nuclear weapon is not acceptable. Our Lebanese policy is a nuclear-free Middle East, and it has to start with Israel also.

Did WikiLeaks create any tension between you and your counterparts in Iran?

No.

Do you think the U.S. plays a productive role in Lebanon?

I think the relationship between Lebanon and the U.S. has been good. The U.S. helped Lebanon in establishing the tribunal. They helped in reequipping the Lebanese armed forces. USAID has done a lot of projects for helping after the war in 2006.

In what areas have there been disagreements?

Where we do not agree with the United States is [its] policy vis-à-vis the Palestinians and Israel. The United States of America can do much, much more vis-à-vis the peace process. My question to the U.S., Israel, and everyone is, what do you expect 10 years down the line if there is not a comprehensive peace?

Newsweek

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13 responses to “Lebanon’s PM wants both justice and stability, interview”

  1. The wikileaks are a CIA decoy fabrication planted intentionally to sow discord. When politicians speak “off the record” statements are not recorded anywhere. However, one can clearly see the intention of the planters as the main focus is a plan “du jour” targeting a schism to further certain agenda. For those depending on the contents of the wikileaks to draw conclusions might as well depend on “urban legends”. It is beyond my comprehension how individuals interpret the STL as an Israeli/American project and yet not see the importance of the intentional revelation of the wikileaks as another plot to widen the conflict.

    1. Hannibal, wikileaks is a zionist fabrication…you can do a bit of research and find the many links between Assange and AIPAC….you know from everything that was “leaked”, it seems ALL of it worked in the favor of Israel…arab countries “begging” the U.S to bomb iran, to all the leaks about our political leaders begging israel to come and finish off hezbollah…the goal of these leaks are very clear and way too obvious…they serve ISRAELI interests.

      1. Why beg for something Israel can’t do as much as they like to… lol

      2. nabilabuzaid Avatar
        nabilabuzaid

        Cathy you guys blame everything on Israel when it suits you. They blame all the killings in Lebanon on Israel so the Syrians and Hezbollah will get away with Murder. Yes I agree some wikileaks shows the arabs being anti iranians. But did anything show Hezbollah and Iranians or any country that hates israel as saying anything bad? Give me one proof that something bad was said about Hezbollah, Syria or Iran? otherwise stop blaming your internal problems on Israel. Not that I am defending them or saying the Israelis are angels. On the contrary, but we can’t blame Hariri’s Murders on israel, Pierre Gemayl, Samir Qassir and every March 14th Politicians on Israel. While March 8th gets away with blaming Israel for these assasinations. What does Israel cares about George Hawi or Samir Qassir. these people with all respect to them knowingly killing them will not cause any civil strife between March 8th and March 14th. Who Killed Imad Mugnaieh? If Israel killed him why after all this time Syria have not come up with any conclusions about him? who truly killed him? why did Hezbollah did not send their cadets for training for six months? Why didn’t any syrian officials the funeral of Imad? why did Iranians try to calm the atmosphere between hezbollah and syria after he was killed? enough enough and accusations that are baseless.

  2. The wikileaks are a CIA decoy fabrication planted intentionally to sow discord. When politicians speak “off the record” statements are not recorded anywhere. However, one can clearly see the intention of the planters as the main focus is a plan “du jour” targeting a schism to further certain agenda. For those depending on the contents of the wikileaks to draw conclusions might as well depend on “urban legends”. It is beyond my comprehension how individuals interpret the STL as an Israeli/American project and yet not see the importance of the intentional revelation of the wikileaks as another plot to widen the conflict.

    1.  Avatar

      Hannibal, wikileaks is a zionist fabrication…you can do a bit of research and find the many links between Assange and AIPAC….you know from everything that was “leaked”, it seems ALL of it worked in the favor of Israel…arab countries “begging” the U.S to bomb iran, to all the leaks about our political leaders begging israel to come and finish off hezbollah…the goal of these leaks are very clear and way too obvious…they serve ISRAELI interests.

      1. Why beg for something Israel can’t do as much as they like to… lol

      2.  Avatar

        Cathy you guys blame everything on Israel when it suits you. They blame all the killings in Lebanon on Israel so the Syrians and Hezbollah will get away with Murder. Yes I agree some wikileaks shows the arabs being anti iranians. But did anything show Hezbollah and Iranians or any country that hates israel as saying anything bad? Give me one proof that something bad was said about Hezbollah, Syria or Iran? otherwise stop blaming your internal problems on Israel. Not that I am defending them or saying the Israelis are angels. On the contrary, but we can’t blame Hariri’s Murders on israel, Pierre Gemayl, Samir Qassir and every March 14th Politicians on Israel. While March 8th gets away with blaming Israel for these assasinations. What does Israel cares about George Hawi or Samir Qassir. these people with all respect to them knowingly killing them will not cause any civil strife between March 8th and March 14th. Who Killed Imad Mugnaieh? If Israel killed him why after all this time Syria have not come up with any conclusions about him? who truly killed him? why did Hezbollah did not send their cadets for training for six months? Why didn’t any syrian officials the funeral of Imad? why did Iranians try to calm the atmosphere between hezbollah and syria after he was killed? enough enough and accusations that are baseless.

  3. PROPHET.T Avatar

    You must be kidding. Now you are having things in common with Najad,lol

  4. PROPHET.T Avatar

    You must be kidding. Now you are having things in common with Najad,lol

  5. PROPHET.T Avatar

    You must be kidding. Now you are having things in common with Najad,lol

  6. Yes,justice and stability go together!There can be no peace without justice !Nothing is greater than justice and peace!!!!

  7.  Avatar

    Yes,justice and stability go together!There can be no peace without justice !Nothing is greater than justice and peace!!!!

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