BEIRUT, June 17 (Xinhua) -- Hezbollah leader Sheikh Naim Qassem said Wednesday that the group will reject any proposal linked to disarmament, stressing that negotiations with Israel should focus on mutual security and the restoration of Lebanon's sovereignty.
Speaking at a gathering near the mausoleum of Hezbollah's former longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah, Qassem accused Israel of pursuing expansionist policies and seeking to eliminate Hezbollah's military, political, social and popular presence in Lebanon.
According to Al-Manar local TV channel, Qassem said Hezbollah viewed its conflict with Israel as an existential struggle, arguing that the group is defending Lebanon's future, territory and people.
Qassem called on Lebanese authorities to maintain what he described as Lebanon's core demands in any negotiations with Israel, including an end to Israeli attacks, a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, the release of detainees, the return of displaced residents to their homes, and reconstruction efforts.
He said issues related to Lebanon's internal affairs should remain outside any negotiations with Israel and be addressed domestically.
Qassem also urged the implementation of the ceasefire agreed on Nov. 27, 2024, saying it provides a framework for ending hostilities and deploying the Lebanese army south of the Litani River in accordance with the agreement.
Qassem's remarks came ahead of the next round of Lebanon-U.S.-Israel negotiations to be held in Washington next week. ■
