Hariri resignation ‘US-Saudi plot to increase tensions’: Iran

On Nov 5, 2017

YemenExtra

M.A.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has categorically rejected the allegations by former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri. This was said by Bahram Qassemi, spokesman of the Iranian Foreign Ministry, on Saturday.

Lebanese Prime Minister Hariri announced his resignation from Saudi Arabia, where he was on official visit, on Saturday. In a video message, Hariri blamed Iran and Lebanese political resistance movement Hezbollah for his decision to resign, and even made allegations of a possible assassination plot against him.

According to Bahram Qassemi, the resignation of Hariri came as a shock to Iran, and would lead to further instability in the area. According to him, Hariri’s decision ultimately plays into the hands of the Israelis.

“The sudden resignation of Mr. Hariri and its announcement in another country are not only regrettable and astonishing, but also indicative of him playing in a court that the ill-wishers in the region have laid out,” the spokesman said.

“The winners in this field are not Arab and Muslim countries but the Zionist regime (Israel) which has defined its existence in tensions ‘in’ and ‘among’ the Muslim countries in the region.”

Qassemi furthermore pointed out that the Arab worlds needed unity and calm more than ever, since terrorist organisations such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda are not yet fully defeated.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran always seeks the safeguarding of peace and stability in regional states and has defined its interests in the security, stability and economic prosperity of all regional and neighboring countries, he added.

Bahram Qassemi ended by stressing the excellent relations between Tehran and Beirut, and repeated that Iran has always respected Lebanon’s independence and national sovereignty. Furthermore, Iran is willing to increase cooperation with the Lebanese government in all areas of mutual interest, according to the Foreign Ministry spokesman.

Read More: https://www.yemenextra.net/2017/11/05/why-saudi-arabia-arrests-its-princes/

Lebanon was previously in a political deadlock for over two years, when after the 2014 presidential elections, it took until October 2016 before Michel Aoun was sworn in as President of Lebanon. Aoun is member of the March 8 Alliance, which includes Hezbollah amongst its ranks.

Saad Hariri, member of the opposition March 14 Alliance, was appointed by the President in December of that year, but has at times been at odds with President Aoun. Hariri’s decision to resign occurred while he was visiting Saudi Arabia, leading many to question his intentions.

Interestingly, Hariri’s resignation comes not long after a speech by President Michel Aoun on October 31, in which he stressed Iran’s role in combating terrorism and called the Islamic Republic a regional power and a part of the solution to the woes of the Middle East, and stated “Iran is present and has its influence in the Middle East and it must be taken into account.”

Almasdar News