Armenian and Shiite Communities of Lebanon Have No Political Differences

PanARMENIAN.Net - Relations between the Armenian and Shiite communities of Lebanon have always been fraternal and there is no single case, when interests of both communities were complicated by political differences, Head of Defense of Released Territories organization, native of Lebanon Zhirayr Sefilyan told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter. In his words, Armenians of Lebanon have always supported Lebanon's demand on release of territories, occupied by Israel. «Our political and religious leaders have always supported Lebanon's efforts to that end,» he said.



In Sefilyan's opinion, the key personage in that struggle is Hezbollah. «It should be noted that Hezbollah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah grew up in an Armenian environment, in an Armenian block. When speaking about domestic problems in Lebanon in his speech on the TV and the press, Nasrallah appreciates the role of Armenians in the country's life. Armenian parties periodically meet with Hezbollah leaders. We also see the role of that organization in Lebanon's life and appreciate Hezbollah having nothing in common with Osama bin Laden and his Al-Qaeda,» Sefilyan underscored.



Some 100 thousand Armenians live in Lebanon at present. The residence of Cilician Catholicosate (Antilias) is also situated in Lebanon.