Report: Shiite Duo won't withdraw from govt. or resort to street action
The Shiite Duo's rejection of the government's decisions on arms monopolization 'will remain limited to political action and state institutions,' the Nidaa al-Watan newspaper quoted unnamed sources as saying.
The Shiite Duo 'has informed those concerned that its MPs and ministers will remain in the parliament and government and that it will not use the street as a detonator or to create internal strife,' the sources added.
A prominent Hezbollah source also confirmed to al-Joumhouria newspaper that the Shiite Duo will not resign from the government, adding that Hezbollah "will not hand over the weapons and will not spark clashes on the street or with the army."
"We can agree on a format for army monopoly as mentioned in the Ministerial Statement without giving timetables and we support any agreement that begins with compelling Israel to withdraw, halt the violations and attacks and hand over the captives," the source added.
"Weapons need a thorough discussion in which we should address Lebanon's interest first, and this would happen with the Lebanese Army by agreeing on a national strategy," the source said.
The government on Tuesday took a historic decision to monopolize arms in the hands of the state before the year's end and on Thursday it approved the objectives of U.S. envoy Tom Barrack's paper, which focuses on the disarmament of Hezbollah and other armed groups in the country.
The ministers of Hezbollah and the Amal Movement walked out of both sessions in protest.
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