Iran-Saudi Talks to Help Settle Yemen Crisis: Lebanese FM
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants of Lebanon Abdallah Rashid Bouhabib voiced support for the negotiations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, saying the talks would present an opportunity for the settlement of the crisis in Yemen.
In a meeting in Beirut on Thursday, the top Lebanese diplomat and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian talked about a range of issues, from the bilateral cooperation to the regional and international developments.
Highlighting the importance of relations between Lebanon and Iran, Bouhabib expressed optimism about the outcome of the Vienna talks on the revival of the JCPOA.
He also expressed hope that the ties between Tehran and Beirut would further grow.
The upcoming elections in Lebanon will be important for the people both inside Lebanon and abroad, he noted, saying Beirut expects the international community to stand by Lebanon in holding the vote.
Bouhabib further referred to the impact of regional developments on his country and welcomed the settlement of regional differences and also the talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia, the Iranian Foreign Ministry’s website reported.
The Lebanese foreign minister then expressed displeasure at the destructions in Yemen, saying the talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia can provide an opportunity to help advance the intra-Yemeni talks and resolve the country’s crisis.
He also criticized the Western governments for their indifference to what is going on in Palestine and denounced them for failing to make good on their promises to the Palestinians.
For his part, Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian underlined Iran’s continued support for the government and people of Lebanon, saying, “We hope expansion of economic cooperation and trade exchanges between Iran and Lebanon would help the country get out of the current difficult situation.”
He described Lebanon as the country of democracy and elections, adding that the Lebanese society is vibrant as it holds elections.
Amirabdollahian said Iran believes that with the prudence of different Lebanese factions, there will be a good election strengthening security and stability in the country.
The top Iranian diplomat then described the regional developments, including the Yemen situation, as complicated.
Referring to the surge in the flow of refugee into Iran, he criticized the international community’s indifference to the matter.
Amirabdollahian finally reaffirmed Iran’s opposition to war as a means to resolve differences, saying, “We believe that political means must be the focus of efforts to resolve disputes.”