Lahoud: Iran, Syria back Lebanon

Former Lebanese president Emile Lahoud said today that only Iran and Syria have supported Lebanese resistance against Israeli aggression.

Addressing a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki, Lahoud regretted that no other country took any practical step toward Lebanese resistance movement.

He further appreciated Iran's assistance to reconstruction operation of his country after liberation of South Lebanon.

As to massacres by Israel against defenseless people, he reiterated that as long as Israel exists and enjoys support by big powers, peace would be meaningless. For his part, the Iranian foreign minister said that the talks with Lahoud focused on regional developments, including the issue of Palestine.

Referring to Lahoud as a prominent Lebanese personality, Mottaki said that the two officials shared identical views regarding the latest regional developments. He expressed hope that Lebanon would settle its crisis through holding successful presidential elections.