Armed resistance delays Lebanese platform

BEIRUT, Lebanon, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Lebanese lawmakers were expected to debate the right to armed resistance until they reached a vote of confidence, leaders said Thursday.

Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced a unity government in November that included ministers from Hezbollah and the opposition March 8 alliance.

Lawmakers have since grappled over articles in the policy statement that pertain to Hezbollah's right to maintain an armed resistance to counter the threat from Israel.

Hussein Moussawi, a parliamentarian in Hezbollah's Loyalty to Resistance bloc, argued that Lebanon would not be able to defend its southern border without an armed resistance, Hezbollah's al-Manar news station reports.

"How will the Lebanese government face Israeli violations of our airspace?" he asked. "Israel has imposed war on Lebanon, and our stance is that we should defend Lebanon."

Elie Keyrouz, a representative from the Hariri-allied Lebanese Forces bloc, argued the claims, stating national forces should be the only body responsible for national security.

"There is no justification for maintaining Hezbollah arms or any weapon outside the authority of the Lebanese state," he argued.

A leading Christian cleric earlier this week called for the unification of the armed resistance into the national military as a way to settle the issue.

Nabih Berri, the speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, said debates would continue Thursday until a vote of confidence is reached.