Khalil says Shiites 'united' in face of 'external dictates' to disarm Hezbollah

The Political Advisor to Hezbollah's Secretary General, Hussein Khalil, has accused the government of succumbing to "external dictates" when it took a decision to disarm Hezbollah, which he dubbed, in a radio interview, "a major sin".

Khalil said that the decision was faced with the strength and unity of the Shiite community.

"The government and Lebanon's leaders must remember that we have priorities, most notably to halt the Israeli aggression, end the Israeli occupation, reconstruct (war-hit regions), and return (the Lebanese) prisoners (detained in Israel)," he said, as he praised the army's wisdom.

"No one wants to clash (with Hezbollah)," he said. "I hope the army command will remain wise and keen on maintaining the country's stability."