Hezbollah movement says it is ready for dialogue

Beirut  - The pro-Iranian Shiite movement Hezbollah said Thursday it was ready for dialogue with the western-backed ruling majority to safeguard the unity of the government.

"We should solve the issue inside the Lebanese arena and are ready for dialogue to end the Lebanese crisis," Hezbollah's Deputy Secretary General Sheikh Naeem Kassem said.

"We want dialogue to save Lebanon's independence, integrity and institutions," he said.

He praised the Lebanese army and vowed that Hezbollah arms will not be used internally.

"No one should ever think in this country that he can rule the country alone," Kassem told reporters.

Kassem said that Hizbullah recognizes "the other" and demanded the other party to the conflict to recognize the Shiite group.

"Revoking the two government decisions was the key to returning to the previous status quo," Kassem said.

"We want to work hand in hand in order to build Lebanon. Neither American intervention nor external meddling is in the interest of Lebanon," Kassem added.

He stressed that Hezbollah backs the election of Lebanese army commander Michel Suleiman as president of the country. (dpa)

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