Miqati Lauds Hizbullah's 'Wise Behavior' amid Iran-Israel War Fears

Prime Minister Najib Miqati shrugged off fears of Hizbullah's involvement in any future war between Israel and Iran, saying the party is wise and has pledged to steer Lebanon clear of regional conflicts.

“Hizbullah is lately behaving very wisely,” Miqati told reporters in New York. “It has given its consent to the Baabda Declaration that states keeping Lebanon away from the policies of axes and regional and international conflicts.”

The premier made his comment in response to a question about fears that the Tehran-backed party could get involved in any possible Israeli aggression on Iran.

Miqati reiterated that his “entire concern as prime minister is to preserve Lebanon and keep it clear of the repercussions of the events around it.”

“As it's known by now, Lebanon is divided between those who back the Syrian revolution and those who oppose it,” he said. “That's why we seek to keep away any negative reflection of the events in Syria.”

Asked about his position on Syria, Miqati told reporters that he rejects the spilling of blood and supports the choice of the Syrian people.

Miqati is in New York at the head of a delegation to attend the United Nations 67th General Assembly. He is scheduled to hold on Tuesday a series of separate meetings with the presidents of France, Egypt, Cyprus and the Palestinian territories.

His press office said Miqati will also meet with the prime ministers of Kuwait and Qatar, the U.S. Secretary of State and the foreign ministers of Russia and the UAE.

Furthermore, the prime minister has a scheduled meeting with U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon, the statement said.

Miqati held talks on Monday with Britain’s Foreign Office Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, Alistair Burt, who said following the meeting that the UK is aware of the Lebanese prime minister's difficult responsibilities.

He told reporters that attempts to keep Lebanon at a distance from the conflict in Syria have so far succeeded.