String Trimmers

I have a 2005 Huskvarna string trimmer and the thing is a reliable beast that has served me well for 13+ years.  I have had to replace a few plastic bits and bobs throughout the years, but these have all been easy, inexpensive fixes.  

However, now I am stuck.  My throttle cable broke and since the kill switch hasn't worked in years, I purchased the entire throttle assembly to replace. 

However, I do not know how to remove the piece that attaches the throttle cable to the engine next to carb - SEE PIC. I've found videos for later models where this bit simply slides out, but mine is attached somehow.  I have attempted to force it out with quite a bit of pressure using a pair of pliers, with no success.

I guess I could cut the end of the throttle cable off and slide it through the existing sleeve and re-attach the end, but surely it shouldnt be this difficult to simply replace the entire assembly.

Any help is much appreciated.

I have also attached a pic of the weedeater model info.