Lahd refuses to be considered a traitor

Commander of the former South Lebanese militia Antoine Lahd said he refuses to be accused as a traitor. He noted he had worked to avert dangers from South Lebanon and worked for its protection.

In an interview with Channel II of the Israeli TV and quoted by the Israeli radio on Sunday Lahd said he had chosen this way and he shoulders the responsibility despite the fact that the end was bad.

He added it is the same for him whether Ehud Barak or Ariel Sharon is in the Israeli government. He described Israel's withdrawal from South Lebanon as " not good."

The Israeli radio, on the other hand said that Lahd is now living in Tel Aviv and that the French government refused to allow him to visit Paris to see his family there.