[Peace-discuss] Top terrorist state

[C. G. Estabrook]

[Not much change in the USG stance towards those resisting our domination of the 
Mideast, but at least Hezbollah is witty about it.  --CGE]

	Hezbollah hits back at 'terrorist' US
	Wed, 25 Mar 2009 23:58:59 GMT

Lebanon's Hezbollah has hit back at the US over Washington's remarks accusing 
the movement of terrorist activities.

"Hezbollah is honored to be accused of terrorism by the US administration, which 
is the top terrorist state," a statement from the Lebanese resistance group said 
on Wednesday.

The remarks followed a statement issued by the US Assistant Secretary of State 
for Near Eastern Affairs, Jeffrey Feltman, saying Washington would not follow 
Britain's example by opening dialogue with the movement.

Feltman called the Lebanese resistance group a domestic and regional "threat," 
adding "our position on Hezbollah remains as it was when the group was first 
designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization in 1997."

Hezbollah, however, termed the comments as "desperate and empty," adding that 
"It is not strange for Feltman to interfere in Lebanese affairs, which he got 
used to since he was once an ambassador to Lebanon."

Earlier this month, the British Minister of State at the Foreign and 
Commonwealth Office, Bill Rammel, said that his country was ready for direct 
dialogue with Hezbollah, given the improvement of political relations in Lebanon 
over the last year.

Britain's stance was welcomed by Hezbollah but the movement reiterated that any 
talks should be held in an open and transparent manner. Rammel's remarks were 
also interpreted as a signal of the West's policy change toward Hezbollah after 
the movement proved itself as a determining and popular political force in the 
country.

http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=89629&sectionid=351020203