Beirut: Former Deputy Prime Minister and Member of Parliament Ghassan Hasbani has expressed strong reservations over the suggestion of direct negotiations with Hezbollah, as proposed by US Special Presidential Envoy for Syria, Mr. Tom Barrack. In an open letter directed to Barrack, Hasbani emphasized the importance of maintaining the legitimate authority of Lebanon's elected government and institutions.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Hasbani's letter was prompted by Barrack's recent interview, where he advocated for direct negotiations with Hezbollah, citing their significant decision-making power in Lebanon. Hasbani acknowledged Barrack's interest in Lebanon but reiterated that the country has a democratically elected Parliament and government, which should be the sole entities to make decisions on behalf of the Lebanese state. Hasbani highlighted that Lebanon is not without authority or institutions, as it has legitimate constitutional bodies elected by the people, emphasizing the election of Joseph Aoun as President and the repeated confidence placed in Prime Minister Nawaf Salam's government.
Hasbani argued that any viable solution must involve the Lebanese state and its legitimate institutions, not through granting legitimacy to Hezbollah, which he described as acting in defiance of the Constitution and under Iranian influence. He refuted Barrack's assessment of Hezbollah's strength compared to the Lebanese Armed Forces, noting that the army has grown stronger with political backing and international support, making it more powerful than Hezbollah.
Hezbollah, according to Hasbani, has been weakened by recent conflicts and mounting international and domestic pressures. He pointed out the United States' reaffirmation of Hezbollah as a terrorist organization linked to Iran, questioning the logic behind negotiating with a group that opposes state decisions and is recognized as a terrorist organization.
Hasbani urged Barrack to consider the importance of Lebanon's adherence to state authority and the rule of law, stating that Lebanon requires the support of its legitimate institutions and the empowerment of its armed forces to assert sovereignty across the nation. He concluded by stressing that Lebanon's recovery and investment potential hinge on the presence of a strong state without competing authorities, ensuring the rule of law prevails.