French Source: Khamenei's Stance from Tribunal Unveils Differences with Damascus

Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's remarks on the Special Tribunal for Lebanon showed different stances between Tehran and Damascus from the court, official French sources told pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat.

Khamenei's dismissal as "null and void" imminent rulings by the tribunal, confirmed France's belief that despite their strategic alliance, Iran and Syria have different agendas on Lebanon, the source said.

The official did not rule out that the supreme leader's remarks were aimed at Syria which has "softened" its stance from the tribunal and the indictment that will be issued by the court in ex-Premier Rafik Hariri's assassination.

President Bashar Assad lately said that Syria would accept the rulings if they were based on evidence. "This is a stance very different from the Iranian position," the official said.

Syria has "a political and strategic interest" to prevent deterioration in the security situation in Lebanon, the source added.