Original link: http://middleeastobserver.net/translation-of-key-points-nasrallahs-speech-on-beirut-disaster/
Description :
Key excerpts from Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah’s latest speech surrounding the Port of Beirut disaster several days earlier.
Source: Various networks
Date: 7 August, 2020
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Transcript:
Hezbollah chose to view all forms of support & visits to Lebanon positively
We look positively at every form of help and (show of) empathy – and every visit to Lebanon – during these days, especially if it comes within the context of helping Lebanon, or is aimed at calling for unity, cooperation and dialogue between the Lebanese. When we view such visits, we wish to focus on the positive side to them. Now, perhaps some may call for caution, or express concerns or fears. We prefer to view such visits during this current stage in terms of their positive aspects…
An opportunity for Lebanon to exit from state of isolation & difficulty?
Thus, the international and foreign scene was positive in general, and empathetic, and I believe that this also opens up an opportunity before Lebanon, both at the state level and in relation to its people, perhaps there is an opportunity – and I will get back to this later – for (Lebanon to receive) support or for opening up a door from which (the country) can exit from the state of isolation and difficulty that Lebanon was suffering from during the previous period.
Hezbollah categorically denies ever using Port of Beirut for arms-related matters
I wish to affirm today, in a certain, absolute, decisive, categorical and firm manner, that there is nothing that exists for us at the Port (of Beirut). There (was) neither a weapons stockpile, nor a missile stockpile, nor a (single) missile, nor a rifle, nor a bomb, nor a bullet, nor (any amounts of ammonium) nitrate, there is nothing of this sort at all, neither a ‘warehouse’ nor anything else. Neither is there anything now, nor was there anything in the past. Absolutely nothing of this sort (exists) at all. And in any case, soon the results of the investigation will confirm (this reality).
Hezbollah has more knowledge of Port of Haifa than Port of Beirut!
We neither administer the port (of Beirut), nor do we control it, nor do we interfere in it, nor do we know what was going on in the port, nor do we know what was present in the port. Some people said: ‘is it possible that you know about the Port of Haifa (in Israel) more than you know about the Port of Beirut?’.
Hezbollah’s main responsibility is resistance. Hezbollah might know more about the Port of Haifa than it knows about the Port of Beirut. (Knowing about) the Port of Beirut is not (Hezbollah’s) responsibility, yet (knowing about) the Port of Haifa is (Hezbollah’s) responsibility, because it is part of the deterrence equation and the (Resistance’s) defence strategy for Lebanon.
Hezbollah is not administering, nor controlling, nor is it interfering in, nor does it know what is happening at the Port of Beirut, nor what is present there and what is not present there, nor does it know how things are being administered there. This is something we do not interfere in at all.
Now is not the time for political wrangling, now is the time for national healing
We saw the political exploitation of the (disastrous) event (by many). Anyone who has a problem with somebody else (went ahead and) opened up that file (during this crisis). Anyone who has a problem with the (current) presidency, with the (current) government, anyone who has a problem with other political forces, and of course those who have a problem with us (went ahead and brought to the fore their problems during this crisis)…
I don’t wish today to engage in any (political) wrangling with anybody, this is something that we will delay, because we are still adamant that ethically, patriotically, and humanely, today is not the time for settling political and party accounts. It is (rather) the time for solidarity, empathy and cooperation. A time for attending the wounds (of the people), for rescue efforts, for determining the fate of those who are missing, for treating the injured, for helping people to return to their homes.
For a number of days the country requires a level of calm and empathy so that we can overcome the ordeal. Thereafter, we will speak politics, and we will engage in debate. Our facts are strong, and our position is strong, and our stance is strong.
While some forces call for international investigation, Nasrallah points to Lebanese Army
In terms of the investigation, we are now hearing various calls, opinions and ideas. I would like to ask certain (Lebanese) political forces who are speaking about this. (Investigating) this matter (i.e. the Port explosion) is something that can be done by the official Lebanese apparatus, it has the technical expertise, experience and personnel, there’s no doubt about this. However, certain (political forces) are questioning whether this apparatus can be trusted.
Okay, I ask you a question, because sometimes lies within the political realm can only go so far. Okay, all political forces in Lebanon say: ‘we have faith in the Lebanese Army’, the ‘national institution’, the ‘institution that guarantees the stability and security of the country’, the ‘institution that guarantees the sovereignty (of Lebanon)’. And recently on Lebanese Army Day, we heard so many poems and praises (of the Army).
Okay, let the Army go ahead…if this institution that is the Lebanese Army, is trusted by all Lebanese, and trusted by all Lebanese political forces and political leaders, then assign the Lebanese Army (with the mission of investigating the incident). Considering that you all have trust in it. At the very least (assign it) with the investigation. The Lebanese Army, which you trust, will go ahead and carry out its investigations, and then provide the results to everyone.
…Okay, everyone says there is a consensus around the Lebanese Army, okay, then assign the Army with the investigation (mission). Let (the army) go ahead and investigate and then announce the results to the Lebanese people, and not just to the judicial authorities…this is enough to unveil the truth.
Prosecuting those responsible for tragedy is final chance for idea of a ‘Lebanese state’
I also want to add something very important, just as this event (of the explosion) is an exceptional one, today the manner in which the Lebanese state acts in relation to this event will – in our opinion – be fateful. How will it be fateful?
…The Lebanese people will be able, in light of how this event is treated, will be able to come to a conclusion – I am one of those people, as a Lebanese (citizen), who will be able to come to a conclusion on the following matter: is there a state in Lebanon or not? The second question: is there any hope for building a state or there is no hope for building a state (in Lebanon)?
Because I tell you frankly: if the Lebanese state, and the Lebanese political class – whether they are in the (current) ruling government or the opposition – if in this file and matter they fail to reach a result with regards to the investigations, and if they fail to prosecute (those who are responsible), then…(the conclusion will be reached that) there is no hope for building a state.
I don’t want to lead anyone towards hopelessness, I am merely defining (the situation). Yet we need to work so that this hopelessness does not come about. So that we can ensure the existence of hope, so that we can bring about hope ourselves, so that we can sow this hope for the Lebanese.
Today, all the calls for ‘fighting corruption’ (in Lebanon) that use to reach dead ends in the form of say, a corrupt judge here, or a cowardly judge there, or say a side that tries to close a particular investigation and clear up the evidence, or due to say certain considerations, okay, what (obstacle or dead end) will face this matter (i.e. the explosion at Port of Beirut)?
In this matter, it may be revealed that – and yes, a part of it is definitely (related to internal negligence) – meaning that even if it turns out that say, a plane came and struck the Port (thus causing the explosion), or even if it was a pre-planned operation, however, if it turns out that this (ammonium) nitrate had been sitting there at the Port in that manner for 6 or 7 years, that would mean that definitely part of the issue relates back to negligence, shortcomings, and corruption (by certain Lebanese officials). Okay let everyone come forward and fight corruption (here in this issue, which is the most pressing of issues).
If in this issue, all those who claim that they are fighting corruption (in Lebanon) – and we are of those people – fail to do anything, then it means there is no possibility for us to achieve anything (in this regard). Finished. We (then) ought to get up and be honest with the Lebanese people and tell them: ‘there is no possibility for us to do anything, neither to fight corruption, nor confront negligence and the shortcomings, and O’ Lebanese people, you should know that you do not have a state, and there is no possibility of establishing a state, so you should go sort yourself out (on your own)’.
In my opinion, the situation is this grave. So that no one later says that this is a tragedy, and time will (heal) and make people forget e.t.c. As far as we’re concerned, this incident cannot possibly be forgotten, nor is it allowed for anyone to ignore it. This tragedy, this incident, the truth must be uncovered regarding it, and those responsible must be prosecuted, free from all political, sectarian or party protection.
What is the reason for proposing that the Army carry out the investigation?
Reasons for having the Army do the investigation:
1. Little or no trust in the courts because, it’s said, the courts refused the petition of the Port and/or Customs officials to get rid of the deadly cargo. So part of the judicial system might fear a real investigation. Lebanon is highly corrupt and it’s unlikely the courts are not corrupt, too.
2. Lebanon needs some nation-building and in many nations such a project starts with the military. Lebanon’s Army is very weak and has been the subject of attempted manipulation by the West. If carried out properly, this investigation will raise the prestige of the Army. It’s worth noting that Hezbollah has never oppose building up the Army. They only opposed the Western plot to raise the Army a little bit – but certainly not enough to defend against Israel, and to crush the only successful national resistance, Hezbollah.
3. Lebanese will never forget nor forgive the UN’s “Special Tribune for Lebanon” or STL, to “investigate” the 2005 bombing that killed former PM Hariri. It was imposed by the UN Security Council and, outrageously, the UNSC invoked Article 7 to threaten Lebanon with war. Such a big fuss over a single murder, means something else is going on. The STL started as a big insult to Lebanon’s sovereignty and then it got worse. The Tribunal falsely imprisoned four Lebanese Army generals for four years (2005-2009). The name of Detlev Mehlis, the first STL Prosecutor has been completely scrubbed from the Wikipedia article at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_Tribunal_for_Lebanon, so here, Wikipedia is one long lie. More truthful was The Christian Science Monitor, Feb. 14, 2011 by Marquand and Blanford, which reads,
“The tribunal seemed “snakebitten from the start,” says the [anonymous] American jurist. Initially, a German judge, Detlev Mehlis, led a 2005 commission looking into the assassination. It reported charges based on one witness that led to the arrest of four Lebanese generals. The report now reads like a Hollywood script. The witness was a con and the generals were released after sitting in jail even after the fraud was exposed.” https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2011/0214/In-Lebanon-the-Hariri-tribunal-finds-itself-on-trial
Detlev Mehlis was exposed for fraud and was quietly replaced, but the UN never took responsibility for Mehlis being appointed although this German had been involved in the cover-up over the Lockerbie bombing years earlier.
The UN has never ended the mandate of the STL and I suppose that, too, does not sit well with the people of Lebanon.
“… UN’s “Special Tribune for Lebanon” or STL, to “investigate” the 2005 bombing that killed former PM Hariri. It was imposed by the UN Security Council and, outrageously, the UNSC invoked Article 7 to threaten Lebanon with war. …”
Yes, 2005… That was on Putin’s watch. Not to be forgotten either.
@Richard
Since Putin came to power, Russia has abstained in SC to establish & continue these UN kangaroo tribunals. This is true for ex-YU tribunal which Russia has repeatedly criticised calling biased and politicised.
Didn’t Russia do the same for Lebanon? https://www.reuters.com/article/us-lebanon-un-tribunal/u-n-moves-on-lebanon-court-process-despite-russia-idUSN2548784420070526?mod=related&channelName=worldNews
“… Didn’t Russia do the same for Lebanon? …”
Yes, you are correct. It did. And that is what is so troubling. “Abstention”. And then … répéter … a shameful one on 17 March 2011.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Security_Council_Resolution_1757
http://unscr.com/en/resolutions/doc/1757
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Security_Council_Resolution_1973
http://unscr.com/en/resolutions/doc/1973
…
Martial law in Beirut right now so why not have the army collect evidence and handle investigation.
Nassrallah may be indirectly forcing the Army to confront it’s own complicity in the explosion.
An ex. port employee states that the instructions to keep the A.N there came from the Army.
If so, he is putting the Army in a very difficult position: If they cover up their own involvement they will be called out and exposed before the Lebanese and International community. If they don’t, they exonerate Hezbollah and become the target of the Lebanese people …
In a sense, Nassrallah is forcing the army to ‘fall upon its own sword’ …
The port people under house arrest claim they asked the Court several times for permission to get rid of the AN.
The Justice Minister denies this. Media haven’t reported that there was a huge crowd of angry people outside her home and she was chased by residents of the neighbourhood she went to visit. She supports Macron in an international investigation. Educated in France, very much part of the old political elite.
So that’s the justice system.
RIA reported on Friday that Lebanese President Michel Aoun did not rule out the involvement of external forces in the explosion in Beirut:
“The cause of the explosion has not yet been established, there is a possibility of intervention by external forces through the use of a rocket, bomb or other activity.”
https://ria.ru/20200807/1575489105.html
From “Ibn Riad” based in Tripoli, Lebanon. A great thread explaining to non-arabs, non-lebanese the colonized, sectarian mindset so prevalent in the whole fragmneted, defeated, occupied arab land, and more than anywhere else, in the artificial, ultracapitalist state of Lebanon… (my only critic, he is way too optimistic regarding the source of this sectarian, divisive mindset, it is largely desired by large segments of Lebanon, specially former midldle class and the oligarchy as well as parts of the working class, it is NOT just a media PR campaign from a few billionaires and their NATO, zionist handlers, the Arab, semitic disease is as much a product of the endless colonization, fragmentation, as it is also a cause of this endless Nakba)
“ Follow-up on the Beirut blast and political ramifications, hopefully a little shorter than the first & focusing on the aftermath.
In summary: 2005 isolated the resistance from their Sunni compatriots; now 2020 seeks to isolate the resistance from their Christian ones. Who suffered most visibly from this blast? The Christian neighbourhoods of Beirut have been front-and-centre. We’ve seen scene after scene of Christian funeral ceremonies, name after name of Christian martyrs, lives lost in the blast. May God ease their pain and suffering.
The Lebanese Christian community is in mourning, more than any other (even if every single Lebanese person was affected, one way or another). These deep, real emotions are ripe, however, for the scavenging wolves to prey upon, and re-direct. Before we go any further, let us keep sight of one thing. People are angry: rightfully so. But people are angry, specifically, at Hezbollah.
Why? There is not a single plausible way in which Hezbollah are to blame than any other party. But anger is aimed at them, all the same. This is no accident, but the work of the media, stirring people into a frenzy through the repetition of fact-free sound-bites devoid of any substance. This is part of the same build-up taking place since 2005, and also echoes how anger in 2005 was itself re-directed at Hezbollah. 2005 saw the assassination of a Sunni figure, which was blamed on the resistance with zero evidence (and eventually evidence to the contrary). 2020 now sees an “assassination” of Christian Beirut, which again, is being blamed on the resistance. Again, without a shred of evidence.
So just as 2005 saw the first real division between Lebanese Sunnis and Shia, and began turning the Sunnis of Lebanon against Hezbollah, now 2020 seeks to isolate Hezbollah from their remaining Christian support base, namely Aoun’s FPM. This is not the first act in this plan, but the most visible, obvious and devastating. In the elections of 2018, the right-wing Christian pro-Zionist parties (Kataeb and LF) took advantage of growing right-wing sentiment to win over FPM supporters.
This was later exacerbated during the protests in October of last year, where Kataeb & LF used the unrest and misery of the Lebanese people to direct national feeling against the resistance, and in which the turmoil was immediately turned against Hezbollah. The suffering felt by the Christian community now as a result of the Beirut explosion makes, unfortunately, for the perfect climate in which to turn the emotionally-charged sentiments of the Lebanese (and Christians especially) against Hezbollah.
Again, no need to even prove any responsibility on Hezbollah’s part- the media frenzy of the past decade and a half has prepared the groundwork so aptly, that any catastrophe can be blamed on Hezbollah without anyone so much as batting an eye. The allies of the Lebanese resistance grow thin, and its isolation continues to be imposed through the use of media, dirty politics and comprador politicians and bought-out party leaders.
The immediate effect of this can be seen manifesting already as protests begin- not against the corruption in the government or the negligence that led to this tragedy, but squarely and bare-facedly against the Lebanese resistance. The political game begins. But this is just one side of the game. They are not the only side with plans, not the only side playing the game. Sayyid Nasrallah spoke yesterday with calm, clarity and responsibility, and set the tone for the stages to come. Above all, the Sayyid’s political message was clear: they can plot, and they can plan, but they will fail.
It was almost as if he was saying one thing: this is not 2005, as badly as they want it to be.
And that is all we need to know.”
Ibn Riad can be followed via his excellent feed on the NSA infested Twitter (Controlled by the criminal US regime):
https://twitter.com/IbnRiad?s=21
So the forces that be in Lebanon are turning the big protect against the government into an anti-Hezbollah riot tonight. Predictable.
They are reportedly burning images of Nasrallah.
Macron made his move to take control or there won’t be aid coming to help the reconstruction.
You know the US and Israel will work hard to blame Hezbollah for everything.
And there will be efforts made to align the military against Hezbollah even though they worked together to rid Lebanon of al Nusra terrorists.
Lebanon always gets worse before it gets even more worse.
Anyone recall the civil war? Utter madness.
Russia is already in the city with five huge plane loads of medical and emergency aid.
China needs to make a bigger presence. They sent a team of doctors with aid to follow.
Turkey wants to be the one to rebuild the port.
And the Covid-19 virus is out of control.
Israel is always ready to exploit any tragedy in its own interest. Trump was provided with information about a ‘bomb’. Given the US incompetence in real intelligence gathering, that information most likely came from Israel, possibly via Israel-firsters close to Trump. It neatly set things up for Israel’s subsequent blaming of Hezbollah.
They seem to be burning images of all the key government figures, of which Nassrallah for some reason appears to be one.
I think this is more because Nassrallah is lumped together with “The Government” than because Hezbollah is being specifically targeted (although there are very likely groups with the specific intent to target Hezbollah).
However, on the whole, I think Nassrallah is just one of the many images being burned by an angry populace …
Aside from their flag, Nasrallah is the face, voice and symbol of Hezbollah.
Indeed. I take account of that in my post above, apologies if it was not articulated clearly.
Hezbollah is part of the Lebanese government, but only one part among others.
It’s easy to see handiwork of all the other color revolutions. Some of the protest signs are in English, but English is not spoken there. Indiscriminate and senseless violence is another feature of color revolutions, and the first death, a policeman, has already happened. Obviously the Lebanese have a lot to be angry about, and economic desperation helps fuel the fire.
It’s important to note that the corruption in Lebanon can only be defeated by replacing the “confessional system” which guarantees specific high posts for each of the religious minorities and is enshrined in the constitution. Instead, politicians must be held accountable to the whole Lebanese public. Hezbollah has been trying to get rid of the French-imposed 1946 constitution for years now. Perhaps the time is ripe now, because such a high price has been paid for corruption and stupidities.
“Social Media manipulators” (for want of a better term) are taking these reports of government figures being burned in effigy and filtering out the parts that are not Hezbollah related in order to give the impression that the protests are against Hezbollah (personified by Nasrallah).
The information war is unfolding before us in real time …
You said:
“It’s important to note that the corruption in Lebanon can only be defeated by replacing the “confessional system” ”
I agree that this is what *should* happen. However, I can see it’s almost impossible for it to actually happen. Prying apart sectarian loyalties takes hundreds to thousands of years, with considerable social engineering driven by a central authority with a life-span of centuries.
… In other words, we need a Paul Atreides here … To counter House Harkonnen …
This glosses over the first part of the speech which was really focused on what a humanitarian tragedy this is. The simultaneous translation is far better. Starts at 15:00
Anyway it’s interesting to watch someone’s face.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUFLVbaBUlM
It’s been asked: why hasn’t H pointed the finger at Israel? It’s because the immediate priority was the disaster: starting with organizing blood donations etc. Making accusations was hardly a priority.
I think he also said something along the lines of: if the leaders don’t take their responsibility for ensuring the investigation is honest, they’ll lose credibility and it’s a make or break moment for Lebanon (paraphrasing).