Sheikh Qassem: 'Hezbollah still seeking revenge on Israel'

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 04:28:21 Press TV

A senior Hezbollah official says the prisoner swap will not avert vengeance, saying Israel should pay a high price for Mugniyah's assassination.

Speaking to Qatari daily Al-Arab on Saturday, Hezbollah Secretary General Deputy Sheikh Naim Qassem said prisoner swap deal with Israel revealed the party's potential to unite the whole nation in securing national goals that had long been refused by the Israelis. Turning to the assassination of the movement's commander, Imad Mugniyah, Sheik Qassem said that the prisoner swap deal with Israel will not avert his revenge. He also added that Lebanon is still in a state of war with Israel as the regime continues to undermine the country's sovereignty. Qassem also stressed that Hezbollah supports any plans that lead to understanding, unity and consensus between the Lebanese factions. He said Hezbollah is ready to open up a new chapter in dealing with other factions to help support national unity government. "When I stand side by side with Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, this indicates our readiness to open a new page," he pointed out. On the defensive strategy, Sheikh Qassem reiterated once again Hezbollah's readiness to discuss it 'with an open mind,' saying that the party will abide by any agreements reached through dialogue. "The coming days would prove that we are ready for any sound logic that leads to the creation of a capable, strong and just state," Hezbollah deputy leader declared. He also said that the group has 'no reservations' over restoring talks with Saad Hariri's Mustaqbal Movement, saying further dialogue and meetings will help achieve more understanding between the two.