Lebanon seeks clarification on Hezbollah ban from German ambassador

Beirut (dpa) – Lebanon’s foreign minister sought further clarification on a recent German decision to ban Hezbollah activity on its soil during a meeting with Germany’s ambassador on Tuesday

On March 30, German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer declared the ban on the pro-Iranian movement, which was founded in Lebanon in 1982.

“The German ambassador in Beirut met Foreign Minister [Nassif] Hitti in the morning … Ambassador [George] Birgelen explained the background and the implementation of the national ban on activities in Germany,” the German Foreign Ministry said.

It added that Germany’s policy towards Lebanon will remain “unchanged.”

State-run National News Agency (NNA) said Hitti stressed that Hezbollah constitutes an essential component of Lebanese politics.

“Hezbollah represents a wide segment of the Lebanese people and parliament,” NNA quoted Hitti as telling the German ambassador.

On Monday, Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah said the German decision was expected, as there had been US pressures. He stressed that Hezbollah does not have any organized existence in any European country, including Germany.

Nasrallah also called on the Lebanese government to protect Lebanese living in Germany.

Germany’s domestic intelligence agency estimates that there are about 1,050 Hezbollah members and supporters currently in the country. They do not comprise an official organization in Germany, but work unofficially, doing fundraising, among other activities, according to security officials.