Pro-Aoun minister says arms monopolization on track despite Qassem’s remarks
The decisions taken by Lebanese authorities regarding arms monopolization “were taken to be implemented and nothing will change the president’s stances,” ministerial sources close to President Joseph Aoun said, in response to Hezbollah chief Sheikh Naim Qassem’s latest remarks.
“Qassem wanted to object and escalate in front of his environment, and this all remains rhetorical,” the sources told Asharq al-Awsat newspaper, noting that it is unlikely that Hezbollah would take any steps on the ground.
“The course of weapons monopolization is on the right track,” the sources added.
The Nidaa al-Watan newspaper meanwhile reported that “a number of mediators sought over the past hours to re-launch indirect dialogue between Aoun and Hezbollah in a bid to alleviate tensions.”
Quoting “prominent political sources,” the daily said Qassem escalated the rhetoric in his latest speech “at the request of Iran.”
“Iran does not want to lose its last and most important card without anything in return ahead of the negotiations with the United States, which will take place in a matter of a few weeks,” the sources added.
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://test.naharnet.com/stories/en/317783 |