Lebanon Condemns Iranian Parliament Speaker's Statements
In a significant diplomatic incident, Lebanese officials have reacted strongly to remarks made by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf regarding Iran's willingness to negotiate with France over the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. This statement has stirred controversy within Lebanese political circles, prompting caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati to label it as a "blatant interference" in Lebanon's internal affairs. Mikati directed the Lebanese Foreign Minister, Abdullah Bou Habib, to summon the Iranian Chargé d'Affaires in Beirut to formally protest Qalibaf's comments.
The tension arises from the historical context of UN Resolution 1701, which was established in 2006 following the Israel-Hezbollah conflict but remains largely unimplemented. Dr. Ali Darwish, a former deputy in the Lebanese Prime Minister’s parliamentary bloc, emphasized that Qalibaf's statement is a matter of Lebanese sovereignty, asserting that Lebanon must manage its own affairs without foreign interference. He expressed hope for a clarifying statement from the Iranian officials following the inquiry into Qalibaf's remarks.
Political Implications of Iranian Interference
Political analyst Nicola Nassif highlighted that Iranian diplomatic interference has long been a contentious issue between Lebanon and Iran, particularly given Hezbollah's influential role in Lebanese governance. Nassif noted that the situation has become increasingly complex, especially after an unproductive meeting between Prime Minister Mikati and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, where disagreements over the implementation of Resolution 1701 were evident. Mikati's insistence on a ceasefire contrasts sharply with Iran's stance, which appears to advocate for continued resistance against Israel.
Nassif argued that Qalibaf's willingness to negotiate with France reflects Iran's desire to assert itself as a guardian of Lebanese interests, undermining Lebanon's sovereignty. He criticized the notion that Iran should negotiate on Lebanon's behalf regarding a resolution that primarily concerns Lebanon and Israel.
Iran Responds to Criticism
In response to the backlash, Qalibaf clarified his position, asserting that his statements regarding a ceasefire were misrepresented and that Iran supports the Lebanese government and resistance in their efforts against Israeli aggression. He emphasized that any political agreement must consider the resistance's perspective, reiterating Iran's commitment to supporting Lebanon's sovereignty and its right to self-determination.
Abdul Reza Davari, an Iranian political activist close to Qalibaf, reinforced this message, stating that Iran does not seek to interfere in Lebanon's internal matters but aims to support its ally against external threats. He dismissed claims of Iranian guardianship over Lebanon, asserting that Iran's involvement is rooted in solidarity rather than control. Davari reiterated that Iran's official positions are articulated by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and any negotiations regarding Resolution 1701 should involve Lebanese authorities directly.
keywords':['Iran Lebanon relations','Qalibaf statement','UN Resolution 1701'],
title
Lebanon Condemns Iranian Interference Over UN Resolution Negotiations
brief
Lebanese officials criticize Iranian Parliament Speaker's statements as interference in national sovereignty amid ongoing tensions in the region.
location
Lebanon, Iran, France
