Lebanon's Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah (R) meet Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki in Beirut December 21, 2009.
Iranian FM Manouchehr Mottaki is in Lebanon today to meet with Lebanese officials. According to a communique issued by Hezbollah, he also met with Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and both discussed local and regional developments.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson , Mihman-Parast told Fars News Agency that the objective of Iranian FM’s visit to Lebanon is “to congratulate the country on forming a national-unity cabinet and to discuss bilateral relations.”
He also said that Prime Minister Saad Hariri will soon visit the Islamic Republic, adding that Lebanese-Iranian relations are “positive.”
Prior to departing from Lebanon Mottaki held a press conference during which he praised the Lebanese for being able to form a national unity government calling them ” responsible and smart people” . He added “We love and respect Lebanon, its government and people.”
Mottaki said Lebanon has set an example to be followed in resolving the regional issues, adding that ” Iran is always willing to cooperate and offer solutions.”
Earlier today Mottaki met with President Michel Suleiman, PM Saad Hariri and speaker Nabih Berri . Mottaki has reportedly invited Berri, a Hezbollah ally to Tehran
Lebanon’s Hezbollah was formed around 1982 by the Iranian Revolutionary council and Iran continues to be the main political, financial and military backer of Hezbollah. Hezbollah arms remain a thorny issue in Lebanon and is expected to be the main issue that will be discussed during the upcoming dialogue talks that will be chaired by the president .
I hope Iranian FM Mottaki does not speak from both side of his mouth, he should be sincere with all factions of Lebanese, and the Lebanese should be smart enough to do what’s best for all Lebanon, and our Hezbollah brothers should think Lebanon first, Iran does what’s best for Iran they are not stupid to favor other nations or parties over Iran.
Rafik, what you say is true. Despite the fact that Mottaki obviously favours Hezballah and the Amal movement over much of the other Lebanese parties, I dont think Hezballah will be that blunt (anymore) to give in to them over Lebanon’s expense. They have religious ties, just like how the Christians do with the Vatican etc. It was actually a very good sign to see Mottaki visit the Patriarch… Hope all is good.