EU Official refuses to answer: Is Hezbollah a terrorist organization?

Proche-Orient ^ | May 9, 2003 | Jeremy de Vidas

[Ooh-Ah]

Miguel Angel Maratinos is, since 1996, the European Union's special representative for the Middle East peace process. Between 1984 and 1987, he was political advisor to the Spanish Embassy in Rabat before becoming adjunct director general in Madrid for North Africa (1987-1991). Later, he became general director for the Institute for the Cooperation with the Arab World (1991-1993), general director of foreign policy on North Africa and the Middle-East and finally Spanish Ambassador to Israel from June to December 1996.

Jérémy De Vidas    What is the European Union's position today on Syria, notably concerning the Syrian troops stationed in Lebanon ?

Miguel Angel Moratinos  I believe that the European Union has maintained an open and constructive dialogue with Syria. The Union has always demanded the implementation of the Security Council's resolutions. We know that there is an agreement between Syria and Lebanon on the troop situation, and we would like to arrive at a general agreement for the entire region. We have always insisted that Syria is a strategic partner of Europe, above all at this difficult time. We will continue to seek the best way to maintain a dialogue with them.

J. De Vidas  Where is the European position on Hezbollah at now ?

M. A. Moratinos   The European Union's demands are quite clear. The resistance, however it may be, must be peaceful and political. It must neither be violent nor terrorist. That is our stance. It is up to the Labanese who have seats in the Parliament to continue to represent their people. The Union will not accept a violent or militarized resistance.

J. De Vidas   In a word, is Hezbollah a terrorist organization ?

M.A. Moratinos  I refuse to answer that question.

[aynrandfreak]

Great find; what horrible leadership they have!

[Travis McGee]

"Hezbollah only blows up Jewish women and babies, so they are okie dokie in our book."

[Prodigal Son]

Wow.

[American in Israel]

Birds of a feather, flock together.