In an interview with LBCI television on Thursday, Tourism Minister Fadi Abboud said that “the Resistance is Lebanon’s treasure,” and that Lebanon cannot negotiate with Israel if Hezbollah is to disarm. He added that Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s rhetoric following the 2009 parliamentary elections clearly suggests that Hezbollah’s arms are not up for discussion. 

There is a global tendency to form public-private partnerships to overcome bribery and corruption, said Abboud, adding that it does not go against the recommendations of the Paris III Conference and would pave the way for full privatization.

The minister also said that his bloc, the Change and Reform, decided to participate in the government to cooperate with other blocs and not to instigate disputes, stressing he is against wasting the state’s resources not against privatization.

He commented on the recent dispute between Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun and FPM official and for Deputy Prime Minister Issam Abu Jamra, saying the media blew it out of proportion. Such reactions are normal in political parties, said Abboud.

He also touched on the Doha Agreement, saying, “It safeguarded national unity by granting sects veto power.”

-NOW Lebanon