Deputy FM rejects claims of meddling in Lebanon’s internal affairs
Iran rejected accusations of interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs, saying a distinction must be drawn between domestic Lebanese issues and resistance to Israeli occupation and aggression.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh in an exclusive interview with Lebanon’s Al Jadeed television said allegations alone, without evidence to back them up, were insufficient to establish claims of interference. He called on those accusing Iran of meddling in other countries’ internal affairs to present their documents and evidence.
“When we talk about Lebanon’s internal affairs, we must distinguish between issues within Lebanon and the question of fighting and resisting occupation and aggression,” the deputy foreign minister said.
The Palestinian issue, which he described as fundamental to all, as well as Israel’s expansionist policies in the region and its continued acts of aggression, were separate matters that should be discussed and examined independently, he said.
Khatibzadeh also pointed to interventions by some countries in Lebanon’s internal affairs, saying Tehran had sought to prevent the Arab country from becoming an arena for outside interference.
Khatibzadeh also said Iran and Lebanon are exchanging proposals aimed at resolving diplomatic differences between the two countries.
He described Iranian-Lebanese cultural, economic and political ties as deep-rooted and important, adding that Tehran is working to strengthen them further.
The two countries maintain high-level diplomatic relations across various levels, he said, noting that multiple channels of communication remained open between their governments and that diplomatic visits were also part of their bilateral engagement.