Zarif Voices Iran’s Support for Lebanon’s New Gov’t
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who is on an official visit to Lebanon, said the Islamic Republic backs the new government in the Arab country.
Speaking to reporters upon his arrival in Beirut on Sunday, Zarif congratulated Lebanon on the formation of the new government and said, “We emphasize our support for the Lebanese government.”
He further described the Arab country as a symbol of “resistance and coexistence” and said that during the visit, he would hold talks with Lebanese officials on numerous issues.
The Iranian top diplomat’s visit comes as Lebanon formed a new national unity government last week, ending nearly nine months of political wrangling.
Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri apologized to the people of Lebanon for the time it had taken to form the government and said that bold moves were needed without delay to address chronic problems facing the heavily indebted state.
The government of Hariri, who has Western backing, includes most parties, including Hezbollah, which emerged stronger from the parliamentary election last May thanks to gains by its allies. Hezbollah chose the new health minister.