Lebanon-Israel: negotiation is “the only valid alternative”, says Lebanese Minister Nassar – One-on-one
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In an interview with France 24, Lebanese Justice Minister Adel Nassar defends “the choice of negotiation” with Israel, describing the situation in Lebanon “particularly complex”. The country “finds itself between the Israeli hammer and the Iranian hard place,” he assures. The minister also reaffirms the need for a total withdrawal of the Jewish state and criticizes Hezbollah for its refusal to lay down its arms.
While the framework agreement signed on June 26 between Lebanon and Israel aimed to find “lasting peace” between the two countries, “the situation is particularly complex” in the Cedar country, assures Adel Nassar. The Lebanese Minister of Justice describes the Israeli attitude as “very difficult” to defend, while around 6% of the area of the south of the country has been occupied by the Israeli army since the spring.
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“Hezbollah, on the other hand, considerably complicates the task” by refusing to “hand over its weapons to the Lebanese state,” laments the minister. Despite these tensions, Adel Nassar believes that “the choice of negotiation is necessary since it is the only valid alternative” and judges that abandoning the diplomatic route would lead to new military confrontations, “against the interests of Lebanon”.
“Obstacles removed” regarding the investigation into the Beirut port explosion
Adel Nassar further affirms that the abolition of the death penalty, voted by Parliament on August 11, is “essential” to allow Lebanon to continue its role as a “model” in the defense of “human rights and public freedoms”. “It was up to (Lebanon) to give this very clear message that (it) will not allow itself to be drawn into the logic of obscurantism that exists in the region,” he adds. The country had not carried out executions since 2004, although death sentences were still handed down – particularly for murder, acts of terrorism or espionage.
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The Lebanese Minister of Justice also confirmed that “the obstacles” which had prevented the opening of an investigation into the explosion at the port of Beirut “have been removed”. “We are hopeful that, by the end of October, the requisitions will have been returned,” he assures. A step that could pave the way for a trial.
