[ad_1]
A spokeswoman for the US State Department confirmed that Hezbollah still poses a “great threat”, in response to statements by French President Emmanuel Macron about the pro-Iran party.
The spokeswoman, Morgan Ortagus, told Al-Hurra on Wednesday that “Hezbollah, supported by Iran, is a terrorist organization that continues to pose a great threat to the United States and its international partners.”
“Politico” had quoted Macron, in the context of his defense of the position of trying to talk to all parties in Lebanon, including Hezbollah, saying: “If we find force by force, this is an escalation” and leads to the war.
“Don’t ask France to launch a war against a Lebanese political force … That would be absurd and insane,” he added, referring to Hezbollah, which the United States and other countries classify as a terrorist organization.
On Tuesday, Macron wrapped up his second visit to Lebanon in less than a month after the massive explosion in the Beirut port, which resulted in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries, and left widespread destruction in the capital, Beirut.
The visit also coincided with the centenary of the establishment of Lebanon, and during the visit they spoke with officials about ways to help lift the country out of an unprecedented economic crisis and the consequences of the explosion.
Speaking to Politico on his way from Paris to Lebanon on Monday night, Macron said he wanted credible commitments from political party leaders on reforms, including a specific timetable for change and parliamentary elections within “six to 12 months. “.
The next three months will be “essential” for real change to occur, and if not, Macron said he will take a different path, imposing punitive measures ranging from blocking a vital international financial rescue plan to imposing sanctions on the ruling class. .
According to a report by France Press, the Lebanese people criticized Macron for his cooperation with the political class, which they accuse of corruption, led by Hezbollah, which maintains its control over the country, and many blame him for the explosion that affected a warehouse containing explosive materials.
A group of protesters raised the slogan “New Lebanon” to express their rejection of what “Greater Lebanon” left behind, which was declared a hundred years ago after its entry into Lebanon under the French mandate.
The meeting began peacefully. The protesters raised Lebanese flags in which the color red was replaced by black, “in mourning” for the victims of the port explosion.
They also carried banners in French calling on Macron not to cooperate with political officials who hold them responsible for the explosion at the port, which left at least 188 dead and thousands injured.
Among the banners were “Do not cooperate with the corrupt and criminals”, “With your cooperation, they become accomplices” and “The Lebanese people are hostages”, while the loudspeakers played patriotic songs.
“Let Macron come here and listen to us and fulfill the aspirations of the people,” Rima, 46, said during his participation in the rally. “The whole world knows our demands, and we have not spent more than ten months on the streets to come and sit with the corrupt and criminals who killed their people,” she added angrily.
On Twitter, one user wrote: “Thank you Emmanuel Macron, you have floated the power of killing in the blood of the Lebanese people.”
