Report: Hizbullah, Suleiman Relations 'Diplomatic'

The relations between Hizbullah and President Michel Suleiman are merely diplomatic and standard after ties witnessed deterioration over the Baabda Declaration and the people-army-resistance formula, the pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat reported on Sunday.

Sources close to Hizbullah said that the party's stance from Hizbullah is “final and clear.”

“Contacts with Suleiman are merely diplomatic and within the limits of the protocol not more,” the sources said.

The sources said that Hizbullah will not engage in any dialogue with Suleiman, in particular after his latest stances.

Hizbullah's sources ruled out the extension of Suleiman's term, saying: “Hizbullah will always respect the presidency post.”

Sources close to Suleiman also denied that “the president is seeking to extend his tenure by consolidating ties with Hizbullah.”

The sources reiterated that Suleiman had continuously rejected any attempt to extend his tenure.

“Relations with Hizbullah are normal and communication through the cabinet is ongoing,” the sources added.

Suleiman’s tenure ends in May 2014, but the constitutional period to elect a new head of state began on March 25, two months prior to the expiration of Suleiman’s mandate.

In March, Hizbullah and the president were at loggerheads over Suleiman's statement concerning the cabinet's policy statement.

Suleiman said that the land, people and common values formed the country's “permanent equation,” describing that the people-army-resistance equation as “wood.”

Hizbullah's slammed on the president's comments, accusing him of not being able to differentiate between “what's golden and what's wooden.”

The party said that Baabda Palace has come to require “special care."

Suleiman replied via twitter saying that what Baabda Palace needs is acknowledging the unanimous consensus over the Baabda Declaration that was reached inside its premises.

- H. K.