Khatami opposes escalation, destabilizing the region
Lebanon-Iran, Politics, 5/14/2003

The Iranian President Muhammad Khatami yesterday in Beirut expressed his opposition to any escalation in the Middle East and anything that destabilize the region.

In a speech he delivered in Arabic before a large audience of 50,000 at the sport stadium in Beirut, Khatami said "we do not want to take part in escalating tension in the region or getting involved in destabilizing events."

In the second day of his visit to Lebanon, Khatami stressed that his country wants to make every possible effort to create a secure zone away from repression and aggression." He said on the ground of our "religion and culture we have decided to work for consolidating the pillars of democracy, independence, freedom and progress in our country and we are also determined to continue forward into peace and stability being inside our country, in the region or the world."

Khatami made a distinction between legitimate "resistance" and terrorism which is made under the cover of religion. He explained that "terrorism which comes in the name of religion to stand before freedom and progress constitute a great danger." Khatami stressed that "resistance will continue as far as there is repression," stressing "honoring any decision taken by the Lebanese leaders and any will they adopt," in an indirect remarks to US requests for Lebanon to disarm the Hizbullah party.

The rally was attended by representatives for the Lebanese president, the prime minister and the speaker of parliament. At the Forum, President Khatami was welcomed by the secretary of the chairman of the Lebanese Hizbullah Party, several Cabinet ministers, parliamentarians; and Lebanese heads of parties and forces including the Lebanese Communist Party.

Previous Stories:
  Lebanese premier confers with Iranian envoy   (5/2/2003)
  Iran's FM in Beirut: no common ground between Hizbullah, al-Qaida   (12/10/2002)
  Hammoud, Kharazi discuss Lebanese- Iranian relations   (8/21/2002)

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