Lebanon Seeks Explanation from Germany over Hezbollah Ban

Arab World

May 6th, 7:39am

Washington - Beirut - Elie Youssef and Asharq Al-Awsat

File photo: Hezbollah members (Mahmoud Zayyat, AFP)

Lebanese Foreign Minister Nassif Hitti summoned on Tuesday the Germany Ambassador to Lebanon, George Berglin, to seek further clarification on Berlin’s decision to ban activity by Hezbollah on its soil. The German diplomat made clear that Germany’s decision had been taken a while ago, but it has only recently come into force. “Germany did not classify Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, but rather prohibited its activities on German territories,” Berglin said. Hitti affirmed that "Hezbollah is a main political component in Lebanon which represents a wide section of the people and part of parliament," his office said. German police carried out raids in Germany last Thursday to detain suspected Hezbollah members. Security officials believe up to 1,050 people in Germany are part of Hezbollah. Meanwhile, a US State Department spokesperson commented Tuesday on the Lebanese government’s economic reform plan. In a statement, a copy of which was obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat, the spokesperson said that the measure of success of the new plan hinges on the ability of Prime Minister Hassan Diab’s government to implement serious reforms able to lead to “transparency” and to answer the demands of the Lebanese people. The official said such measures are indispensable to restore international confidence in Lebanon. Commenting on Hezbollah, he stated, “As we repeatedly said, this is a terrorist group that threatens the security, stability and sovereignty of Lebanon.” US sources have said that the administration of President Donald Trump is setting the stage for more sanctions against Hezbollah’s financial networks.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2270101/lebanon-seeks-explanation-germany-over-hezbollah-ban