Iran: GCC Made a 'Mistake' Labeling Hizbullah as Terrorist
Iran's deputy foreign minister said on Thursday that a decision by the Saudi-led bloc of Gulf states to label Hizbullah a terrorist organization is a "mistake."
Iranian state TV quoted Hossein Amir Abdollahian as saying the Gulf Cooperation Council's move was a "new mistake" that would undermine peace in the region and the unity of Lebanon.
He said Iran was "proud" of Hizbullah "as the vanguard of resistance against the Zionist regime and the champion of the fight against terrorism in the region."
"Those who call Hizbullah terrorists, have intentionally or unintentionally harmed the unity and security of Lebanon."
On Wednesday, a statement from GCC Secretary-General Abdullatif al-Zayani said the bloc decided to implement the terrorist designation because of hostile acts by Iran-backed Hizbullah within its member states.
The decision reflects rising tensions between Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia and Shiite powerhouse Iran, Hizbullah's patron.
The GCC ruling brings Gulf states in line with the U.S., which also considers Hizbullah a terrorist group.
Source: Associated Press, Agence France Presse
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