From Tillerson says Hezbollah ‘part of political process’ in Lebanon
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleUS Secretary of State Rex Tillerson concedes that Iran-backed Hezbollah is part of the “political process” in Lebanon, appearing to soften Washington’s tone ahead of a visit to the country.
“We support a free, democratic Lebanon free of influence of others, and we know that Lebanese Hezbollah is influenced by Iran. This is influence that we think is unhelpful in Lebanon’s long-term future,” Tillerson said at a press conference in Jordan.
“We also have to acknowledge the reality that they also are part of the political process in Lebanon.”
Shiite movement Hezbollah — the only faction to have retained its weapons after Lebanon’s civil war — is a member the Lebanese government of Prime Minister Saad Hariri.
— AFP
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