Tuesday, August 01, 2006

Iran's Foreign Minister Meets Lebanese President

Radio Free Europe:
Iranian Foreign Minister Manuchehr Mottaki today continued his visit to Beirut with a meeting with Lebanese President Emil Lahud. The two were expected to focus on the conflict between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah guerrillas. Iran is one of the leading sponsors of Hizballah.

Later, Mottaki is due to meet Prime Minister Fuad Siniora and parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri. READ MORE

On July 31, Mottaki called for an immediate cease-fire in the Israeli-Hizballah hostilities and criticized the UN Security Council's failure to stop the crisis.

"We are disappointed in the failure of the [UN] Security Council to support the Lebanese people during the last three weeks of [Israeli] aggression," Mottaki said.

While in Beirut, Mottaki also met French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy, who has also been talking with Lebanese politicians close to Hizballah.