Source: Kataeb.org
Friday 18 October 2024 18:38:05
The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by Secretary-General Ambassador Hani Chemaitli, summoned the Iranian Chargé d'Affaires in Lebanon, Meytham Kahrmani, to discuss recent comments made by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of Iran's Shura Council. Ghalibaf had indicated Tehran's willingness to engage in negotiations with France over the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, a topic of critical importance for Lebanon as it grapples with ongoing Israeli aggression.
This move came at the request of Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and under the guidance of Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib. The Lebanese government sought clarity on Ghalibaf’s remarks, which had stirred political concerns regarding Iran’s role in the region and its possible influence on the implementation of Resolution 1701.
During the meeting, Ambassador Chemaitli stressed Lebanon’s commitment to diplomatic efforts aimed at halting Israeli hostilities, particularly through the enforcement of UNSC Resolution 1701. This resolution, passed in 2006, calls for a cessation of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, the disarmament of militias, and the strengthening of Lebanon’s sovereignty.
Chemaitli underlined that Lebanon’s priority remains the preservation of its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the security of its people. He also emphasized that Lebanon relies on the support of the international community, especially countries that advocate for Lebanon’s State authority and national sovereignty, during what he described as a "sensitive national moment."
In response, the Iranian Chargé d'Affaires assured Iran’s respect for Lebanon's sovereignty and its concern for the nation’s stability, particularly given the challenging circumstances Lebanon is currently facing. He noted that Ghalibaf had since issued a statement clarifying his previous comments to French newspaper Le Figaro, stressing Iran's position of support for Lebanon.