NASRALLAH URGES TIMELY ELECTIONS

Hizbullah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said it was crucial for Lebanon’s 2009 legislative elections to be held “on time.” “Not holding the elections or postponing them would be very dangerous,” Nasrallah said in a speech to mark Martyrs Day that was broadcast via video link to a gathering of resistance supporters in Beirut’s southern suburbs. It would be in the interest of all parties, he argued, to hold free and fair elections “without obstruction or postponement.” Nasrallah also stressed the need to lower the voting age from 21 to 18 and called on MPs to adopt a constitutional amendment for that purpose. He also reiterated his loyalty to his allies in the opposition, vowing that “recent reconciliations or meetings do not breach this firm commitment.” Nasrallah said reconciliation efforts were “welcomed and we have our hand extended to all.” He also thanked Lebanese Army intelligence for last month’s arrest of a cell that collaborated with Israel. “I hope the day comes when evidence shows that Israel is involved in the bombings and assassinations that happened in Lebanon,” he said.