WASHINGTON, May 21 (UPI) -- Washington sees no distinction between the political and military wings of Hezbollah, U.S. State Department officials said of the group's terrorist designation.
Washington is preparing for the upcoming visit by Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri. His visit comes amid mounting concerns over the arsenal belonging to Hezbollah.
U.S. and Israeli officials accuse Syria of delivering long-range missiles, including Scuds, to Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. French defense officials and U.N. peacekeepers said there is no evidence to support the Scud claims, however.
Hezbollah has evolved from a militant organization into a political force in Lebanon, notably in the wake of a 34-day conflict with Israel in 2006. Lawmakers with Hezbollah hold two Cabinet ministries in the Lebanese government.
U.S. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley told reporters in Washington, however, that U.S. policy on Hezbollah has not changed.
"We do not recognize separate military and political wings," he said.
Crowley said that before Washington reviews the terrorist designation of Hezbollah, the organization must surrender its weapons and recognize the existence of Israel.
"I'm not aware that Hezbollah qualifies at this point," he said.
