Iran, Lebanon voice support for Syria against challenges

Lebanon and Iran have strongly denounced the threats directed against Syria, Lebanon and Iran.

In a joint statement issued following the wrapping up of talks between Iranian President, Muhammad Khatami and the Lebanese officials, Lebanon and Iran denounced Israel's exploitation of regional and international developments to continue occupation of the Arab territories particularly Golan.

The two sides stressed their support to the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people in resisting the Israeli occupation.

The statement stressed Lebanon and Iran's opposition to all forms of terrorism particularly state terrorism and the necessity to draw a distinction between the legitimate resistance of people to occupation.

The statement condemned the Israeli oppressive measures against the Palestinian people and the rest of the peoples in the region in the prevailing situation of international relations.

The statement called for the preservation of the Iraqi unity, integrity and sovereignty as well as the Iraqi right to self determination away from the occupation influence.