Zarif Hails Hizbullah, Mustaqbal Dialogue, Efforts to Defuse Tension

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Java Zarif lauded on Thursday the dialogue between Hizbullah and al-Mustaqbal Movement and the efforts exerted to reduce the sectarian tension in Lebanon.

Zarif expressed hope that the talks between the Sunni and Shiite parties would be “fruitful,” noting that his country supports dialogue and openness between the Lebanese, in particular Hizbullah and al-Mustaqbal.

Hizbullah and al-Mustaqbal movement agreed on Monday during their second dialogue session to support efforts to “continue the implementation of the security plan across all Lebanese regions,” revealing that they have made “progress” to defuse the Sunni-Shiite tensions.

The dialogue is being held under the auspices of Speaker Nabih Berri at his residence in Ain el-Tineh.

Dialogue had kicked off on December 23 between the two parties and the first session was aimed at devising a “roadmap” and a “mechanism” for the next sessions.

Zarif described Lebanon as a “model” for coexistence.

“Despite its small size the country plays a big role in shaping huge decision in the region, especially regarding the resistance and its heroic defense against” Israel, the Iranian official continued.

Hizbullah is part of the self-proclaimed Iranian and Syrian-led “axis of resistance” against Israel.