Hezbollah distances itself from unofficial statements

Hezbollah’s media relations unit on Thursday commented on “the recent news and reports attributed to Hezbollah sources or officials.”

“Those allegations are totally baseless,” the media unit said in a statement, reiterating that “as it has become known, there are no sources in Hezbollah and its stances are exclusively issued through official statements released by Hezbollah’s media relations unit or through the remarks of its officials who hold official or partisan posts.”

Reuters had quoted an unnamed “senior Hezbollah official” as saying that the group is ready to hold talks with President Joseph Aoun about its weapons if Israel withdraws from south Lebanon and stops its strikes.

"Hezbollah is ready to discuss the matter of its arms if Israel withdraws from the five points, and halts its aggression against Lebanese," the senior official told Reuters.

Hezbollah's position on potential discussions about its arms had not been previously reported. Reuters said the sources spoke on condition of anonymity due to political sensitivities.