BEIRUT, April 1, 2008 (AFP) - Hezbollah on Tuesday rejected criticism by Saudi Arabia's foreign minister, who has blamed the opposition for obstructing a solution to Lebanon's long-running political crisis.

The Shiite movement 'denies Saud al-Faisal's assertion that the opposition is responsible for blocking solutions and that it has done all in its power to scupper Arab initiatives, especially frequent Saudi efforts,' a statement said.

'This accusation aimed at the opposition damages the role of the (Saudi) kingdom and raises important questions about its position and role in the Lebanese political crisis.'

The statement said Prince Saud's comments make Saudi Arabia 'partial and incapable of playing a positive part in finding a solution' to the crisis.

On Saturday, the Saudi minister slammed the opposition for 'blocking' agreement on an Arab League initiative and 'consecrating external influence on the Lebanese scene at the expense of Lebanon's higher interest' -- an apparent reference to both Iranian and Syrian influence.

Saud was referring to an Arab League plan that would provide for the election of Lebanese army chief General Michel Sleiman as president, and which he blames the Syrian-backed opposition in Beirut for derailing.

Half the leaders of the 22-member Arab League, including pro-Western Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan, boycotted the annual summit in Damascus at the weekend and sent only low-level representation, blaming Syria for Lebanon's protracted crisis.

In a separate statement, Hezbollah said the league summit 'was a success despite all pressure, dealing a strong blow to all those who had bet on its failure.

'This success is due primarily to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad,' it said.

Saud did not rule out another Arab meeting on Lebanon after the Damascus summit, which was boycotted completely by Beirut.

Syria and Iran back the Lebanese opposition led by Hezbollah, while Saudi Arabia and several other Arab states back the ruling majority, which also enjoys Western support.