Nasrallah hails efforts exerted by Future Bloc to maintain security in Tripoli

The Secretary General of Hezbollah Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah hailed on Monday all security measures implemented by the Lebanese army and the Internal Security Forces to maintain stability and protect citizens during the Ashoura ceremonies.

Addressing in person the crowds on the 10th night of Ashura at the Sayyed Al-Shouhadaa Mosque complex in Beirut’s southern suburb Dahiyeh region, Nasrallah voiced his readiness to hold the upcoming parliamentary elections; however, emphasized that he is not against the extension of parliament's mandate if all Lebanese factions agree on this issue.

In this regard, Hezbollah's Nasrallah highlighted the necessity of respecting all state institutions, stressing that Lebanese politicians will either extend the parliament's term, hold the elections, or accept void at the legislative level.

As for the presidential elections, Hezbollah's Nasrallah noted that Iran and Syria voiced their support to all Lebanese decisions regarding the elections, pointing out that Iranian officials stressed various times that the elections are an internal affair.

In the same context, Nasrallah called on all Lebanese parties to engage in serious national dialogue sessions in order to end the presidential deadlock, reassuring that Hezbollah, as well as all other Lebanese parties, are all against power vacuum on the presidential level.

Nasrallah reiterated his support to Change and Reform Bloc Leader MP Michel Aoun as a candidate for the presidential elections, stressing that the latter is capable of securing Lebanon's national rights as well as the rights of both Christians and Muslims in the country.

As for the situation in the northern city of Tripoli, Nasrallah said that efforts and sacrifices of Lebanese troops, in addition to political and social stances in the city helped contain the situation, praising efforts exerted by the Future Bloc to maintain stability in Tripoli.

As for the issue of Lebanese troops who were kidnapped during clashes with armed groups in the northeastern border town of Arsal, Hezbollah's Nasrallah said that negotiations pertaining to the release of troops should be kept confidential, adding that relatives of these troops should be patient and should also support the Lebanese cabinet, "which is working to secure the release of the kidnapped soldiers." 

Regarding the regional situation, Nasrallah said that various factions labeled conflicts in the region as sectarian, emphasizing that the conflict is purely political.

"Regional conflicts will draw the path of our future and the destiny of our children," Nasrallah said.

"As Shiites, our conflict is not against Sunnis in the region, but against takfiri groups," Nasrallah said, stressing that takfiri groups are targeting all communities, religions, and groups.