BEIRUT, Aug 14 (NNN-NNA) – Lebanese President, Joseph Aoun, told Secretary-General of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, yesterday that, Lebanon is willing to cooperate with Iran within the bounds of sovereignty and mutual respect, while rejecting any interference in its internal affairs.
“We reject any intervention in our internal affairs from any party,” Aoun said, during his meeting with Larijani. “Lebanon, which never interferes in the affairs of other states and respects their particularities, will not accept anyone interfering in its own,” Aoun added, according to a statement by Lebanon’s Presidency.
Aoun emphasised that, Lebanon’s friendship with Iran should not be based on a single sect or Lebanese faction, but with all Lebanese people.
He reaffirmed that Lebanon is a final homeland for all its citizens, whether Christian or Muslim, and that the Lebanese state, through its constitutional and security institutions, is responsible for protecting all communities without exception.
Aoun stressed, only Lebanon’s constitutional institutions represent the Lebanese people and safeguard their national interests. He warned against any group taking up arms and relying on foreign backing against fellow Lebanese, noting, such actions, historically, cost the nation dearly.
The president underlined that, challenges from Israel or others are challenges to all Lebanese, not just one group, and that national unity is the strongest weapon in facing such threats.
For his part, Larijani relayed the Iranian president’s greetings and renewed Tehran’s invitation for Aoun to visit. He reiterated Iran’s support for Lebanon’s constitutional institutions, stated that his remarks upon arrival in Beirut reflected Iran’s official position, and proposed creating a reconstruction fund for areas damaged by Israeli attacks.
Larijani stressed Iran’s desire to maintain strong relations with Lebanon, and to assist, if requested, by the Lebanese government.
After his talks with Aoun, Larijani met Lebanese Parliament Speaker, Nabih Berri. He described Lebanon as a “friendly country” with deep historical ties to Iran, noting that the two enjoy “excellent relations” today.
Larijani rejected the idea of imposing timetables or directives on Lebanon, adding, “Our message centres on one point: it is important for Iran that regional countries make independent decisions, without needing to take orders from across the oceans.”
Larijani also said, Iran respects any decision the Lebanese government makes, regarding factions operating on its territory.– NNN-NNA
