No civil war in Lebanon: Hariri

Moscow, Jan 30 (UNI) Lebanese Parliamentary majority leader and former Prime Minister's son Saad Hariri today said there was no civil war in Lebanon, declaring that his party was prepared for talks with Hezbollah.

''It is not true that a civil war is on in Lebanon. A civil war involves the political decision of two parties. We are categorically against civil war. Our political message is the proclamation and protection of peace and the truth, and respect for democracy, human rights and the Constitution,'' Mr Hariri told in an interview to Interfax news agency.

Mr Hariri is on a visit for talks on the Lebanese crisis and West Asian issues, with Russian officials, including Russian Security Council Secretary Igor Ivanov.

''We have arrived in Moscow to discuss the current situation in Lebanon and in West Asia, where too many problems have cropped up,'' he said.

''Russia has always supported Lebanon and its people, and it has always backed the freely elected Lebanese government. Russia supports all Lebanese, whichever party they are affiliated with,'' Hariri noted.

''We, the Parliamentary majority, want to hold talks with Hezbollah. Dialogue is the only way to resolve serious issues,'' he said.

Answering a question whether Hezbollah may come to power in Lebanon, Hariri said, ''Lebanon is guided by the idea that no one will be the winner. One party taking power is ruled out.'' He also said he wanted Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora to remain in power as long as possible.

Mr Hariri said during his visit, he will ask Russia to help stop interference in Lebanese affairs.

''This is the purpose of our coming to Moscow. We seek assistance in stopping interference in the affairs of our beautiful country," he said.

He pointed out that Syria, Israel and Iran had been exerting ''negative influence'' on internal processes in Lebanon.

''Neither Syria, nor Iran is playing a positive role. Israel has ruined our infrastructure and is killing our people,'' Hariri stressed, adding ''Our concern about the territory seized by Israel and the issue of hostages remains on our agenda,'' he added.

UNI