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Iran’s president Mohammad Khatami reiterated Iran's support for the Lebanese resistance as he met with opposition leader Walid Jumblatt in Tehran Sunday 24 April, warning that the ongoing crisis in Lebanon could further slip the country into another civil war.
"The possibility exists of an escalation of the differences and its degeneration into a civil war," Khatami said, adding that 'all means must be used to prevent this from happening so that Lebanon remains united and stable'.
Khatami described the Lebanese resistance as a 'source of pride for the Islamic and Arab world', stressing the need for unity among all the Lebanese groups.
Khatami said, "Instability in Syria would be a catastrophe for the region which would have malignant effects on Lebanon."
Khatami stated that all 'committed Lebanese and the countries which like (the Middle East) to remain stable have a duty to insist on the permanence and survival of the resistance and confront views which seek to break up the Lebanese resistance'.
The Iranian president regretted the killing of former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri, saying the 'criminal assassination of Mr. Hariri deprived Lebanon of a useful and an efficient force and instigated divisions'.
"One must not ignore the involvement of unclean hands in these events," Khatami said.
The Iranian president described the role of Druze opposition leader in removing differences and bringing about rapprochement among Lebanese groups as 'effective'.
Khatami also hailed Jumblatt's position regarding the need for the Lebanese resistance to maintain their arms as well as his role in consolidating unity in the country and forging better ties with Syria.
Khatami further stressed the need for vigilance among Muslims against 'plots hatched by the enemies to inflict blows on the entire region, especially Lebanon and Syria'.
The Iranian president described Lebanon 'a gate for the Middle East strategically', saying any problem arising for Lebanon will have its impacts on the whole region.
Khatami touched on Lebanon's upcoming crucial elections in May, saying they must not translate into 'creating dissension among political groups and influential currents'.
Jumblatt, on his part, stressed that the parliamentary elections must serve to maintain the balance of power among the country's Muslims and its Christians and resolve differences among them.
Jumblatt went on to warn of the 'superpowers' plans to create a new order in the Middle East, and stressed the need for solidarity among Muslims. |
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