Involvement of Ethnic, Religious Groups Key to Lebanon Security: Rouhani
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani praised the "peaceful coexistence" of different religions and ethnic groups in Lebanon, saying that involvement of these groups in the government, guarantees security and development in the country.
Rouhani underlined that if all Lebanese ethnic and religious groups are involved in running the country, Lebanon will enjoy sustainable security and development.
“Lebanon has always been a role model of peaceful coexistence of ethnic and religious groups,” Rouhani said during a Friday meeting with the Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam on the sidelines of the 69th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
“As in the past, Iran considers it as a duty to provide any necessary help to promote peace and unity in Lebanon,” he added.
“Iran attaches great importance to Lebanon’s unity, solidarity and strength, which would be achieved through joint efforts by all ethnic and religious groups (in the country),” Rouhani noted.
He also deplored the efforts by certain elements to fan the flames of ethnic and religious conflicts in certain regional countries, saying “violence and terrorism are the main problems in the Middle East region.”
President Rouhani expressed the hope that the Lebanese army would manage to ensure the country’s security and defend people against terrorist groups.
Salam, for his part, called for the expansion of ties between the two countries, saying that Beirut attaches great importance to continued ties with Tehran.
He also praised Iran's efforts to help promote Lebanon's national unity and paid tribute to Rouhani’s stances on counter-terrorism.
