No Need for Foreign Intervention in Lebanon: Iran’s Envoy
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran’s ambassador to Beirut voiced opposition to foreign intervention in Lebanese internal affairs, saying the East Mediterranean state is capable of fulfilling all demands stipulated in the country's Constitution.
“Lebanon is able to meet all demands stipulated in its constitution without the intervention of any foreign state,” Mohammad Fathali said in a meeting with Leader of Lebanon’s Kataeb Party Amine Pierre Gemayel in Beirut on Monday.
“Lebanon is able to achieve the required domestic convergence by relying on its political elites and parties and does not need foreign intervention,” the Iranian envoy added.
As regards Iran's stance on Lebanon, he said non-interference in Lebanese affairs is among Tehran's principled stance on the country.
Gemayel, for his part, praised Iran’s influential role in establishing stability and security in the region and asked for Tehran’s help in terminating the seven-month presidential crisis in Lebanon.
Lebanon has been without a president since former Lebanese President Michel Suleiman’s term in office ended on May 2014. Lebanon’s parliament has been unable to come to a consensus on a successor, with the Hezbollah-led-March 8 Alliance backing Michel Aoun and the Future Movement-led-March 14 Alliance throwing its weight behind Samir Geagea.
Back in late September, 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.