Iran Supports Negotiated Political Solution to Problems in Lebanon: Zarif
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Lebanese political groups should find a political solution to problems in the East Mediterranean country through dialogue and common understanding.
“Any political decision should be reached by Lebanese and through dialogue,” Zarif said in a meeting with United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Sigrid Kaag in Tehran on Monday.
Zarif further emphasized that Iran supports dialogue among all political groups and parties in Lebanon, adding that Tehran wants “political stability” in the Arab country.
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.
The Iranian foreign minister also cautioned against any foreign pressure imposed on the Lebanese parties, and expressed the hope that the United Nations would continue to have “a supportive role” and help Lebanese groups reach a political consensus.
The UN envoy, for her part, praised Iran’s efforts to maintain peace and stability in Lebanon.
She also expressed concerns about Lebanon’s failure to elect a president, and said the current legal vacuum is not appropriate to the country and the region.