GCC Chief condemns Hezbollah’s interference in Bahrain’s internal affairs

RIYADH — Jasem Albudaiwi, secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), expressed his strong condemnation and denunciation of the irresponsible statements made by Naim Qassem, secretary general of Lebanon’s Hezbollah, concerning the internal affairs of Bahrain. Qassem’s statements were also pertaining to the measures undertaken by the Bahrain government against individuals who committed crimes against their country and whose involvement in espionage activities together with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has been established. These individuals were found to have plotted to carry out terrorist and hostile acts against Bahrain as well as to undermine its interests, he pointed out. Albudaiwi affirmed that the GCC member states regard Hezbollah, including all its leaders, factions, affiliated entities, and branches, as a terrorist organization pursuant to a resolution adopted in 2016. “This designation is based on the continued hostile activities carried out by these militias, including the recruitment of youth from GCC countries to perpetrate terrorist acts, the smuggling of weapons and explosives, the incitement of sectarian strife, and the promotion of chaos and violence, all in blatant violation of the sovereignty, security, and stability of these states,” he said. Albudaiwi also underscored the GCC’s unequivocal rejection of all practices that threaten the security and stability of the Lebanese Republic and its people, or that seek to spread chaos and division within the country. He stressed that any attempts to keep Lebanon trapped in a cycle of instability and recurring crises, while undermining its legitimate institutions, are unacceptable both regionally and internationally. The secretary general reiterated the GCC’s support for the constructive measures undertaken by Lebanon under the leadership of President Joseph Aoun as well as the reform initiatives advanced by the Lebanese government under the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. He emphasized the importance of all Lebanese parties supporting the reform agenda, uniting behind the state to help Lebanon overcome its crises, and contributing to the achievement of security, stability, and prosperity for Lebanon and its people.