Salim al-Hoss visit to Iran after; no specific plan on Lebanon
Lebanon-Iran, Politics, 2/26/2007

Former Lebanese prime minister Salim al-Hoss said here Sunday before departing for Tehran that during his visit to Iran he will attempt to seek Iran's help to reduce tension on Lebanon's domestic scene.

Speaking to reporters, he said that the tour takes place in response to the invitation of the Iranian government, following his visits to Saudi Arabia and Syria.

Al-Hoss added that during his trip to Saudi Arabia and Syria he realized Iran's decisive role, which is directly related to the current situation in Lebanon.

"Iran's talks with Saudi and Syrian officials on the issue have been positive and the discussions still continue," he added.

He is one of the Sunni Lebanese figures and a former ally of Syria, who is attempting to reduce the political crisis in the country.

"He is making effort to show himself unbiased and make the views of Lebanon's two major political movements, namely "March 8 and 14 Forces" to approach each other," he added.

Under the conditions that the March 14 forces and proponents of Lebanese government underline their legal call for trial of those responsible for the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafic al-Hariri at an international court, the March 8 forces, who are Syria's allies, chant the slogan of "Down with the government."

Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said today that Iran and Saudi Arabia are not expected to declare any specific plan on Lebanon during their mutual talks.

Speaking to reporters at a joint press conference with former Lebanese prime minister Salim Hoss, he said during their mutual talks Iran and Saudi Arabia only discussed how to bring the stance of Lebanese opposition groups closer to each other.

It is the Lebanese groups that should help resolve their domestic issues, he underlined.

Iran and Saudi Arabia also discussed the composition of the Lebanese government as well as performance of a special court pursuing assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafic al-Hariri, he said.

The former Lebanese premier, for his part, referred to the great efforts of Tehran and Riyadh to resolve the existing crisis in Lebanon.

Referring to the US new Roadmap peace plan for the Middle East, he said the plan seeks to disunite regional nations and spark sectarian violence.

The US seeks to implement the plan in Iraq in order to engulf the whole region, he said.

Previous Stories:
  Iran urges solution to Lebanese crisis   (1/27/2007)
  Iran not playing chess with US in Lebanon: Larijani   (1/20/2007)
  Iran, Lebanon discuss regional political developments   (1/6/2007)

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