Lebanese MP Alan Oun to 'Arabstoday':

Hezbollah must respect Christians

GMT 16:38 2011 Friday ,25 November

Almaghrib Today, almaghrib today Hezbollah must respect Christians

Lebanese Member of Parliament Alan Oun

Beirut - George Shaheen

Lebanese Member of Parliament Alan Oun Lebanese Member of Parliament Alan Oun, a member of the Reformation and Change Bloc led by the Brigadier General Michel Aoun, has said to 'Arabstoday' that the situation in Lebanon has become even more complicated. He called on Hezbollah to show more respect to the interests of Christians in Lebanon and not disappoint in doing so.
AT: What about the current conditions in Lebanon during the escalation of the Syrian revolution and its impact on the inner political landscape in the country?
AO: It is very difficult for Lebanon to address the revolution in Syria like other countries have because of the political, economic and socialrelations between the two countries as well as the geography that almost makes them one country. We also reject the attack launched against us from the Syrian Opposition as there are several considerations to be taken before taking any steps towards this cause.
AT: The attitude of the current cabinet didn’t protect Lebanon from the attack and painted Lebanon into a corner, don’t you think these were the consequences of confrontation?
AO: This is the only option we have at the present time. I hope the international community understands our situation and know that we have nothing to do with the pressures on Syria. The situation is to escalate and taking a stance against Syria may harm us.
AT: If a civil war starts in Syria, the degree of risk will increase, how will Lebanon handle the situation and potential harm?
AO: I hope we don’t reach that point, but all what we have to do in such case is take every precaution that guarantees the country will not come to harm.
AT: Your bloc is one of the most powerful forces in the Lebanese parliament, what is your potential role in case of sectarian clashes? Do you have the ability to practice influence on your allies in Hezbollah to keep the country away from such fears and retain unity?
AO: The National Free Movement has remarkable weight in the country and its popularity will be able to maintain stability. We are able to avoid sectarian clashes and any other type of turbulence. We call for providing protection to Christians and all people in our country.
AT: With the unlimited availability of weapons to Hezbollah, do you think you will succeed in changing its decisions?
AO: I think our alliance goes beyond this as it is strong enough to help us reach an agreement in the public interest in our country.
AT: In case Hezbollah decides to be involved in a war, how will you prevent that?
AO: There are rules and regulations and we and our allies will respect them. We accepted the doubts of Hezbollah and have taken them into account to give them the feeling of comfort. On the other hand, I think Hezbollah will respect us and take our doubts into account.
AT: Regarding the resources of finances required tfor the Lebanese court, you called for making it an international court, don’t you think that objection against it at the present time will be seen as a contradiction with the principles for which you earlier struggled?
AO: The problem in the cause of the court goes beyond justice. If it was that point, we would have the opportunity to make a number of good deals. We see that the current conditions of the court won’t bring about justice at all as it has no ammunition.