Beirut: Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Minister Youssef Rajji said Lebanon is capable of resolving the issue of Hezbollah's weapons even if Iran's regime remains in power, but stressed that doing so requires the right political decisions and support from the international community.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Rajji emphasized Lebanon's capability to address the Hezbollah issue independently, highlighting the government's "courageous decisions" and cautious approach to avoid internal tensions.
Addressing concerns over potential civil conflict, Rajji clarified that a civil war in Lebanon is improbable under the current circumstances. He stated that the government's efforts to restore authority and implement constitutional principles are not indicative of a civil war, as they are directed against Hezbollah, an armed organization that has acted against the state's interests.
Rajji criticized Iran's regime, calling it an "absolute regime based on divine right," and accused Tehran of destabilizing the region by financing groups within Shiite communities. He highlighted Iran's dual priorities of maintaining influence in Lebanon and hostility toward Israel.
The minister expressed concern over the international community's leniency towards Iran, despite actions by Iranian-backed groups like hostage-taking and terrorist operations. He noted that while Hezbollah has faced strategic and military defeats, it still wields significant influence within Lebanon's "deep state."
Rajji insisted that the call for Hezbollah's disarmament reflects the desires of the majority of Lebanese citizens for normalcy, not an effort to appease foreign powers. He highlighted the unified stance of Lebanon's leadership in restoring sovereignty and criticized Hezbollah's role in economic hindrance and unwanted wars.
He firmly opposed integrating Lebanon's ceasefire arrangements into US-Iran negotiations, emphasizing Lebanon's sovereignty and rejecting external negotiations on its behalf. Rajji lauded President Joseph Aoun's direct negotiations with Israel as a demonstration of Lebanon's independent path.
Rajji expressed hope for US-mediated permanent ceasefire efforts and urged France to support Lebanon by strengthening its armed forces and diplomatic backing. He advocated for an alternative to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon as its mandate nears expiration.
Looking ahead, Rajji was optimistic about Lebanon's future, envisioning a sovereign state free from foreign and Hezbollah influence. He distinguished the issue with Hezbollah from the Lebanese Shiite community, viewing them as integral to the state but also victims of Hezbollah's dominance.
Rajji concluded by acknowledging the potential for change in Iran, stating that meaningful transformation must originate from the Iranian people themselves.