Hezbollah leader lauds resilience

BEIRUT, Lebanon, March 25 (UPI) -- Western countries have moderated their stance on the Lebanese Hezbollah due to the resilience and victories of the resistance, a leading party official said.

Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Sheik Naim Qassem told an audience that while his party was willing to accept the softened stance from Western officials, the group would wait for action to determine the viability of the moves, Hezbollah's al-Manar reports.

"While we accept a backing away from mistakes, we wait for deeds," he said.

London recently reversed its stance on the political wing of Hezbollah, saying it was open to talks with the group. Washington analysts noted, however, that the group itself makes no distinction between its social, military and political factions.

Hezbollah has emerged as a political force in Lebanon, particularly following the 2006 summer conflict with Israel. Qassem noted the upcoming June elections in the country would not change the power structure, however, or Hezbollah's positions.

"It will not change the balances and equations, nor modify the political track, which we have arrived at by rejecting foreign tutelage, liberating Lebanon and protecting its independence," he said.