Hizballah has a new department for Arab relations run by Sheikh Hassan Ezzedin. In an interview with al Rai al Aam [Kuwait] he explained why the need for this department and what's the objective.
…Q: Hezbollah introduced changes to its organizational structure and created an Arab relations position. Does this have anything to do with the shortcomings that emerged following the July war?
A: It has nothing to do with the July war but is rather related to the overall developments and changes witnessed lately, especially after the Radwan prisoners' swap operation. Usually in Hezbollah, we hold organizational sessions every three years to discuss what happened during the past three years. We thus assess the different organizational and political issues.
Q: "What will be the main task?
A: "To give momentum to and activate Arab relations and the Arab dossier, considering that the Arabs enjoy an official and popular strategic depth at the level of the main cause, that of Palestine.
Q: "Does this have anything to do with Hezbollah's attempt to improve its image in the Arab world following the Beirut May events?
A: "Not at all. However, we will certainly exert efforts in this direction to convey the right image of the resistance, especially in the face of the attempts to ruin its image… Our other goal is to contribute, as much as possible, to the alleviation of sectarian tensions,such as those currently seen in Iraq.
Q: "We have never seen a Hezbollah delegation visiting an Arab state like the other parties and forces. Was this position created to handle the shortcoming at this level and to fill an existing void?
A: "There is no shortcoming, just a matter of political circumstances, knowing that Hezbollah always gave attention to this issue. Today, it wants to build a more influential network of relations to exploit the credibility it enjoys among the people in the Arab world. By doing so, it will play a more positive and influential role at the level of unifying the energies and removing the weaknesses that are distancing the Arab populations.
Q: "So will we see Hezbollah delegations visiting Arab countries in the coming days?
A: Certainly. There will be a program to activate what you previously mentioned and we will certainly conduct visits to Arab countries. In two days (today) I will visit Egypt to partake in a festival organized by the Nasserite Party to honor Arab figures, including Ahmed Bin Bella and Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.
On Israel and Syria.
A: "Our position at the level of negotiating with the Israeli enemy is known and clear. We are against such negotiations. In our political reading of what is happening, we know that Syria has occupied land. Ever since the Madrid conference, when it engaged in negotiations, nothing was reached at the level of putting an end to the Israeli obstinacy and the Golan was not restored. Now, this Zionist entity is weak, mainly due to the victories achieved by the resistance over it and especially the 2006 July war victory. This has weakened it and forced it to head toward these negotiations.
[A:] "As for the Syrian position, it was clearly stated by President Bashar al-Assad who said that the remaining period for the American administration might not be sufficient or adequate to offer prizes to those who have been blockading Syria throughout the past years. Also, I don't think that Israeli public opinion is convinced of the necessity to relinquish the Golan in exchange for Syria's agreeing to relinquish its principles. Therefore, I believe that what is happening is just a way to pass time while awaiting for the new American administration.
Q: "Do you have any fears about a settlement between Syria and Israel at the expense of Hezbollah and the resistance in Lebanon?
A: "I don't think that this will happen and there are no indications pointing towards that. Hezbollah and the resistance have gone through worse, more dangerous and more stressful circumstances, the wager was much higher than a possible deal and the incentives were much greater…" [Mideastwire.com]
Well, I’m glad to see Hizballah that active and pursuing its goals through all available means. March 14 has something to learn from Hizballah's activism. Maybe someday we’ll hear of Hizballah exchanging Ambassadors with the Arab countries.
