Lebanese Hizbullah Not Controlled by Iran: Nasrallah

Seyed Hassan Nasrallah told the Arabic language daily Al-Watan, "We, as an Islamic movement, need a leader for political legitimacy and the only person that we can look up to is Ayatollah Khamenei."

"We believe in the Leader and his guidance. He does not interfere in our internal affairs. We only follow the Velayat-e Faqih in religious affairs as well as to legitimize the resistance against the occupiers," he explained.

"Unfortunately some believe that the Velayat-e Faqih is directing the operations of the resistance movement, but this is not so. Velayat-e Faqih is an idea of general guidance, and people are responsible for their own personal activities. The misinterpretation of Velayat-e Faqih has led to the belief that the Lebanese Hizbullah movement takes orders from the Velayat-e Faqih," he added.

Elaborating on recent events in the occupied territories, he said, "We believe that the Intifada is an internal decision made by the Palestinian people. The Israelis claim that hidden powers support it. They accuse Syria, Iran, the Hizbullah movement, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. Their intention is to give the impression that what is happening in Palestine is a mercenary action not a popular and national movement.

"We are the offspring of a nation that offers its best people for liberation and freedom."

Commenting on the occupied Shebaa Farms, he said, "Since expelling the occupiers we have not carried out any operations on international borders.

"There have been some clashes, but in the Shebaa Farms no military operations have been carried out in the past seven months. This is clear proof for those who claim that we are trying to disturb regional peace and security.

"Suppose that the Israelis pull out from the Shebaa Farms; the issues of water, aggression, and prisoners would still remain."

Nasrallah noted, "We can't guarantee security to our enemies. The resistance movement can not lay down its weapons just because Israelis have retreated from the Shebaa Farms. As long as Lebanon is in danger and as long as the Israeli-Arab war continues, we will continue our resistance."

Commenting on the activities of the Palestinian resistance movement, he said, "Resistance will continue. Hizbullah will continue to morally and politically support the Palestinians and feels a responsibility toward them."

Asked whether Hizbullah would provide the same support to the Iraqi people, he stated, "The circumstances are quite different. Some Arab brothers think that we are a powerful government or regime, but the fact is that we have limited resources. Our main objective is fighting against Israel's expansionist policy and its aggression against Lebanon."

HJ/HG

End

MNA