Plumbly Discusses Lebanon with Iranian Officials during Tehran Trip

United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Derek Plumbly held talks on the situation in Lebanon with Iranian officials in Tehran during a two visit, announced his press office on Sunday.

Plumbly met with Advisor on International Affairs to the Supreme Leader Ali Akbar Velayati and Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Hossein Amir-Abdollahian during the visit that spanned the weekend.

“The meetings focused on the situation in Lebanon and the growing security, political and humanitarian challenges facing the country as a result of the war in Syria and the crisis in the wider region,” said the statement.

Plumbly thanked the Iranian officials for the opportunity to exchange views on issues of mutual concern with regard to Lebanon.

In response to a question from the Iranian press regarding the political impasse in Lebanon following the meeting with Velayati, Plumbly said the issue of the presidency was for the Lebanese to resolve.

He stressed however the urgency of the issue and international concern that they move forward without further delay.

Lebanon has been without a president since the term of Michel Suleiman ended in May.

Ongoing disputes between the March 8 and 14 camps over a compromise candidate have thwarted the election of a president despite several elections sessions being held at parliament.

Hizbullah's Loyalty to the Resistance bloc and the Change and Reform bloc of MP Michel Aoun have been boycotting the sessions due to the disagreement.

Aoun has repeatedly said that he is willing to run in the elections if there is consensus over him.