09 April 2008

BEIRUT: Senior Shiite cleric Sayyed Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah urged the Lebanese youth on Tuesday to be "independent" and not to join parties "while they are in a state of mental blindness." "I do not interact with parties which call on people to close their minds, clap their hands whenever they want them to and follow instructions without thinking," Fadlallah said before a delegation from the Lebanese University students. "We are looking for a creative Islamic Arab generation who builds its thoughts on the basis of a scientific approach."

Highlighting the importance of scientific challenge which the world is witnessing, Fadlallah said everyone should get involved in this task while relying on their capabilities and powers.

"We all know that Israel could achieve what it has achieved through an unlimited western support and through its scientists to whom it gives priority," he said. "This has caused some great countries to need some of Israel's industries and inventions."

"We have to confirm our presence through our scientific contribution on all levels," he said.

Meanwhile, Higher Shiite Council vice president Sheikh Abdel-Amir Qabalan said on Tuesday "we refuse that [Parliament] Speaker Nabih Berri's initiative for inter-Lebanese talks be met with tension."

"Berri's initiative is positive and we should support it," Qabalan said. "No one has the right to reject it because it promotes dialogue." According to Qabalan, Parliament is the right place to hold such talks and resolve all discords.

"Saying that Berri is the one closing Parliament is a false accusation," the sheikh said. "Let all politicians dispose of their selfishness and interests in order to preserve Lebanon."

Praising Berri's visit to Syria on Monday, Qabalan said cooperation with Damascus "resolves many issues."

"Berri's visit to Damascus calls for optimism," he said. "Better the close neighbor than the far brother."

Commenting on the ongoing Israeli military exercises, Qabalan said the Lebanese must be cautious of any Israeli war.

"We have to get ready to face Israel," he said, criticizing the Lebanese state for abstaining from building refuges in border villages.

"The state is responsible for protecting its people," he said.

In separate developments, Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Butros Sfeir met with Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon Mohammad Rida Shibani.

According to Shibani, Iran "supports any dialogue among the Lebanese."

"Dialogue it is the best means that paves the way for putting an end to the current political deadlock," Shibani said. "We, the Iranian Republic, are in a position that allows us to help the Lebanese resolve their crisis."

Asked about Iran's relationship with the Lebanese government, Shibani said: "We are in contact with the premier."

Regaring Premier Fouad Siniora's call for an urgent meeting of Arab foreign ministers on the crisis which has left Lebanon without a president for more than four months, Shibani said if such a meeting would help the Lebanese reach the desired solution, then Iran "undoubtedly" supports it.

"The Arab League is the one who should know if such a meeting will be fruitful and help reach a solution or not," he added.

Also on Tuesday, Grand Mufti Sheikh Mohammad Rashid Qabbani met with Italian Ambassador to Lebanon Gabriel Checchia to discuss the latest developments in the country.

Speaking after the meeting, Checchia said Italy supports the election of a new Lebanese president "as soon as possible away from any foreign interference."

"We also support the Arab initiative and we hope that it will be executed as soon as possible with the participation of international and Arab partners," he added. - The Daily Star

Copyright The Daily Star 2008.