Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said Tuesday that “everyone should learn from the events of Mosul since it does not only relate to Iraq but to all the peoples of the Arab world,” noting that the liberation of Mosul is a historic event and an advanced step in the course of the eradication of the Islamic State.
In a televised speech, Sayyed Nasrallah described the situation when IS took control of the city of Mosul as a severe ordeal for the Iraqi people, leaving many in a state of confusion and desperation.
He added that “the Iraqis made their choice and took their fate into their own hands without waiting for the decisions of the Arab League, the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.”
“They were united around their decision,” he pointed out, praising the exceptional positions of a number of Sunni leaders.
Nasrallah also tackled the local issues, reiterating the support for the new electoral law and stressing his support for the continuity of the cabinet to be more productive by prioritizing the service and interests of the Lebanese citizens. He stressed the need to pass the pay scale and funding it in order to improve the situation of the poor.
He also commented on the current debate over the issue of the Syrian refugees, saying that the Syrian refugees are spread across the Lebanese regions, emphasizing the importance of resolving the issue as soon as possible.
Regarding the objection over any communication between the Lebanese and Syrian governments, the Shiite leader pointed out that “Syria has embassies all over the world, explaining that any contact will not grant the government any legitimacy since it does not need it.”
“The refugees who returned to Syria according to the United Nations were not detained in Syrian jails, contrary to some people’s presumptions,” he added.
Nasrallah continued on this issue by saying that refusing to hold dialogue with the Syrian government will give Hezbollah a role in the matter, not the opposite as some have accused, declaring his rejection to work toward any political gains.
“We work solely for humanitarian, social and ethical reasons,” he stated, calling on all the parties to reach an agreement “because one cannot impose his decision on the other.”
Concerning the operation carried out by the Lebanese Armed Forces in the northeastern town of Arsal, Hezbollah chief praised the role of the army and the Lebanese security apparatuses, saying that all these efforts have led to uncovering terrorist cells, their members and supporters.