Hizbullah Bloc Urges Preserving 'Army-People-Resistance Elements of Strength'
Hizbullah's Loyalty to Resistance parliamentary bloc called Thursday for preserving “the elements of strength represented in the army, the people and the resistance” in order to “continue the liberation of the rest of the occupied Lebanese land, protect the country and preserve its national sovereignty.”
The bloc voiced its remarks in a statement issued after its weekly meeting and hours after Saad Hariri was officially tasked with forming a new government.
The so-called “army-people-resistance equation” had stirred controversy during the drafting of the policy statement of Tammam Salam's government and it might spark new controversy after the formation of the new government.
“The bloc renews its commitment and keenness on the unity of all Lebanese and on adhering to the resistance and its choice as well as on boosting the capabilities of the Lebanese army,” it added.
As for the election of Michel Aoun as president on Monday, Loyalty to Resistance said “holding the presidential election was a major victory for Lebanon and for the will of accord among the Lebanese,” hoping it will be “the beginning of a new era in Lebanon's political history characterized by national resolve to practice real national sovereignty.”
It also hoped the new presidential tenure will carry insistence on “implementing the stipulations of the Document of National Accord in a full manner and without any selectivity,” urging “real partnership among all the components of the Lebanese society within the framework of a state of law and institutions.”
The bloc also called for the formation of a “unifying national unity government” as soon as possible, saying the government's priorities should be “the approval of a modern electoral law that achieves fair and comprehensive representation, boosting security and economic stability, and addressing citizens' living conditions.”
Analysts have warned that Aoun's election will not be a "magic wand" for Lebanon, which has seen longstanding political divisions exacerbated by the war in neighboring Syria and has struggled to deal with an influx of more than a million Syrian refugees.
In addition to pledges of economic growth and security, Aoun said in his oath of office that Lebanon must work to ensure Syrian refugees "can return quickly" to their country.
Aoun also pledged to endorse an "independent foreign policy" and to protect Lebanon from "the fires burning across the region."
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