Despite its name a Christian party allied with Hizbullah, neither free nor particularly patriotic...
leader
Michel Aoun...a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hizbullah...
warned the U.S. Saturday not to interfere in Leb's affairs, adding that the country is strong enough to prevent the outbreak of a sectarian civil war.
"We will strain America's arm, which returned to [Leb but] in different forms, just like we strained Israel's arm," Aoun said during his visit to south Leb accompanied by Hezbullies MP Mohammad Raad and other officials.
Aoun also said that Leb had resisted attempts to incite a sectarian war in the country, and expressed hope that Syria can overcome similar attempts.
"What is happening in Syria indicates intentions to transform the Israeli-Arab conflict to an intra-Arab conflict ... We have resisted and won, and we wish that for our friends," Aoun said during his second visit to the south in three years.
He also noted that a sectarian war in Leb would not occur due to the country's strength.
"We are today very strong and there won't be a civil or a sectarian war in Leb [since] we can overcome our political rivalry. There won't be a Sunni-Shiite war in Leb even if [others] want to see this happening so that they can gain power," Aoun said, adding that those that sought civil strife were in a minority.
Aoun also toured the Hezbullies museum in Mlita, which showcases weaponry and equipment belonging to Hezbullies and used during the resistance's fight against Israel. Aoun also toured displays of Israeli tanks obtained by Hezbullies.
Despite appearing fatigued toward the end of his trip, Aoun insisted on entering the 200 meter underground tunnel designed by Hezbullies members, and was shown Hezbullies maps revealing Israeli sites.
Aoun refused to answer questions regarding the formation of the new Cabinet, saying: "We are here to remember the resistance; we do not want to spoil this idea by talking about the Cabinet."