Mottaki from Beirut: Lebanon Proved It Doesn't Need Foreign Intervention in Its Affairs

			Welcome
English

Lebanon

Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said during his one-day visit to Beirut on Monday that Lebanon proved "it does not need a foreign intervention in its affairs."
Mottaki added that Lebanon proved its independent stance and the ability to take its own decisions, stressing that Lebanon "can overcome all obstacles."

The Iranian FM expressed his country's willingness to establish a new stage of effective relations between Lebanon and Iran in the near future, adding that Iran respects the Lebanese government and people.

At a press conference that concluded his visit to Beirut, Mottaki revealed that he presented an official invitation to Prime Minister Saad Hariri for visiting Iran, describing his talks with Hariri as "very good and positive."

Mottaki said that Lebanon is witnessing a new period of stability and progress, and added that there are bigger opportunities for more cooperation between Iran and Lebanon.

Earlier, Mottaki started his tour in Beirut by visiting the tomb of Hizbullah's assassinated military leader Imad Mughnieh. He hailed "the courage of the Lebanese people and its great sacrifices as it presented martyrs such as Haj Mughnieh for the sake of liberating its land."

Answering a question on whether Hizbullah was seeking to establish an Islamic republic in Lebanon with the help of Iran, Mottaki stressed that "the Islamic Republic of Iran works for broadening the 'love space,'" and added that "if working for broadening the space of love was a crime, then we accept that crime."

"The peoples of the world have reached a great level of maturity today in order to decide its fate," added Mottaki.

Mottaki added that Hariri's trip to Damascus consolidates stability and calm in the region.

"Lebanon proved through its quick formation of the government that it has the ability to have a good standing in the region and internationally," Mottaki said during a press conference at Bustros palace following talks with his Lebanese counterpart Ali al-Shami.

The Iranian official also praised the "intelligence" of Lebanese officials, who work in their nation's interest.

Mottaki also met with President Michel Suleiman at Baabda palace and later held talks with Speaker Nabih Berri. Mottaki presented Berri an invitation to visit Tehran.

A communique released by Hizbullah said that Mottaki discussed local and regional developments with its Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, "especially the situations in Palestine and Lebanon."

It added that the meeting tackled "the positive atmospheres witnessed by Lebanon in the last period, especially after the formation of the national unity government and the reconciliations ongoing among the various political factions in Lebanon, as well as the positive rapid developments of the Lebanese-Syrian relations."

Nasrallah and Mottaki discussed, according to the statement, "the ongoing Israeli threats against Lebanon, especially lately, as Sayyed Nasrallah thanked the Islamic Republic of Iran … for strongly supporting the resistances of the Lebanese and Palestinian peoples facing occupation and threat."

The National News Agency reported that Mottaki headed to Bkirki in the evening to meet with Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir who received an official invitation from Iranian clerics to visit Tehran.

Click to Comment
Recommend Readers' Comments to Promote Their Views