Bassil to Russia Today: Nothing prevents Lebanese sides from dealing with Hezbollah

Foreign Affairs Minister Gebran Bassil asserted on Monday that there are disputes between Lebanon and Washington over Hezbollah.

“They consider it a terrorist party, while we don’t,” he said during an interview with Russia Today.

“Nothing prevents Lebanese sides from dealing with Hezbollah, since it is a Lebanese component,” he added.

On another note, Bassil noted that Washington’s aid is unconditional, adding that any attempt to link this aid with an attempt to settle the displaced or refugees is rejected.

“Statements about Syrian refugees being tortured upon their return to Syria aim at preventing them from returning,” he stressed.

This as Bassil announced that he seeks strategic relationships with Russia, reiterating call to establish an alliance between US and Russian companies on the issue of gas.

Bassil also noted that Russia is military present in Syria, adding that Lebanon cannot afford to buy weapons.

“If Russia is willing to offer Lebanon aid, Lebanon will not mind as long as it is unconditional,” he added.

Bassil concluded by stressing that Israel does not respect the International principles, adding that the US supports it nonetheless.