US Jimmy Carter ready to meet Hezbollah

by rahul | December 9, 2008 at 06:12 pm

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Speaking from Beirut, former American President and International negotiator Jummy Carter has expressed his desire to meet with Hezbollah representatives in Lebanon. This move might rise opposition from Israel and some sectors in Lebanon. "Carter was widely criticised in April when he met in Syria with Khaled Meshaal, the exiled Hamas political leader". However, this time he is just testing the reaction of the political atmosphere to the participation of his International Centre as monitor in next year Lebanese Parliamentary elections." "While in Lebanon, Carter said he will meet with Michel Suleiman, the Lebanese president and Fuad Siniora, the prime minister".

Jimmy Carter, the former US president, has said he is ready to meet with Hezbollah officials if they agree to see him. Carter made his comments upon arrival in Lebanon on Tuesday where he will assess whether his Atlanta-based Carter Centre would take part in monitoring next year's parliamentary elections.

Asked whether he would meet with Hezbollah officials during his five-day visit, Carter told reporters that it was up to the group, which the United States considers a "terrorist" organisation. "I am going to meet with all of the political parties as possible," Carter said. "I understand that several leaders of Hezbollah said they were not going to meet with any president or former president of the United States, so I don't know yet." Hezbollah official told The Associated Press news agency the group had no immediate comment on Carter's remarks but said it might issue a statement, most likely on Wednesday.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media.
Attacks: Washington blames Hezbollah for the explosion that killed 241 US Marines at their Beirut barracks in 1983, as well as for two attacks on the US embassy in Beirut and the 1985 TWA hijacking that killed an American serviceman on board. Hezbollah denies the accusations and says it opposes terrorism. Carter was widely criticised in April when he met in Syria with Khaled Meshaal, the exiled Hamas political leader. The US also labels Hamas, the Palestinian group that controls the Gaza Strip, a "terrorist" organisation. The Mashaal-Carter meeting led to the delivery of a handwritten letter from Israeli soldier Gilad Schalit, who was captured by Hamas-linked fighters near the Gaza border in 2006, to his parents. While in Lebanon, Carter said he will meet with Michel Suleiman, the Lebanese president and Fuad Siniora, the prime minister. "I will also be making an assessment on whether the Carter Center will monitor the elections that we hope will be held on time next June," Carter said. Next year's elections are expected to be fierce between US-backed groups that hold majority seats in the current parliament and those backed by Syria, including Hezbollah.