Lawmakers blast Hezbollah’s rhetoric

 The Hezbollah leader during his address called on Christians to "review" their relationship with Israel and the United States to determine if the "bargaining" was worth the risk.

He complained that with American forces unable to provide security for Iraqi Christians, it was unlikely a similar arrangement would work in Lebanon.

"I tell them that the interest of the Christian community in Lebanon lies in Lebanon, not anywhere else," he said.

Leaders in the March 14 alliance, however, responded by saying Nasrallah should consider his own advice and review his relationship with Iran, Lebanon’s Daily Star newspaper reports.

Samir Geagea, the leader of the Lebanese Forces political party and ranking March 14 figure, said Nasrallah was linking the country to matters not related to domestic policy.

"Nasrallah’s bets tie the destiny of all the Lebanese people to a regional game unrelated to Lebanon," he said.

Meanwhile, a statement by the Christian-supported Phalange Party blamed Nasrallah for fomenting division within Lebanese politics.

 "If Hezbollah truly wants dialogue it should change its rhetoric and policies," a party statement read.

United Press International - www.upi.com/