President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon stated the country is ‘tired’ of foreign conflicts, asserting that Lebanon should not serve as a battleground. Aoun emphasized the need for countries to refrain from interfering in each other’s internal affairs, while indicating a desire for good relations with Iran. The Iranian delegation was in Lebanon for the funeral of Hezbollah’s leader, reflecting ongoing diplomatic ties despite suspensions in regular flight operations due to security concerns.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun addressed a delegation from Iran, expressing the country’s fatigue with external wars impacting its territory. Aoun emphasized that Lebanon does not want to be a battleground for external conflicts and insisted that countries must respect the sovereignty of other nations. He also stated the desire for improved relations with Iran, aligning them for mutual benefit.
The Iranian delegation was present in Beirut for the funeral of Hassan Nasrallah, the recently deceased leader of Hezbollah, which had a turbulent relationship with Israel leading to significant losses during the last conflict. Aoun’s presidency, viewed as supportive of Western interests, follows Hezbollah’s declining influence after conflicts in Syria and Lebanon.
During this meeting, Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, invited Aoun to visit Iran, indicating the strong diplomatic ties sought between the two nations. Although flights between Lebanon and Iran were suspended due to security concerns from the US about potential attacks on Lebanese infrastructure, this visit signifies a continuing connection.
At the funeral of Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s chief Naim Qassem condemned American influence over Lebanon, highlighting Hezbollah’s resistance to external control. The group’s escalation of hostilities against Israel, launched in support of Palestinian factions, resulted in significant casualties and destruction in Lebanon.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam underscored the need for security at Beirut’s international airport, which has been a point of contention amid Israeli accusations regarding weapon shipments from Iran. Salam reaffirmed that the Lebanese state holds responsibility for protecting airport security and ensuring passenger safety.
In conclusion, President Aoun reaffirmed Lebanon’s desire for non-interference from foreign powers while expressing a willingness to maintain diplomatic relations with Iran. The meetings with the Iranian delegation illustrate Lebanon’s commitment to establishing sovereignty amid ongoing regional conflicts, despite the challenges posed by Hezbollah’s diminished role and external pressures. Aoun’s statements echo the broader sentiment in Lebanon against becoming a battlefield for external wars.
Original Source: www.france24.com
