Iran Backs Formation of Strong Government in Lebanon


TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian foreign ministry spokeswoman expressed Tehran’s willingness to see the prompt formation of a strong, inclusive government in Lebanon, capable of defending the rights and interests of the Middle Eastern nation.

“We have always supported the formation of a strong government that reflects the diversities of the Lebanese nation and can  defend the rights and interests of the people,” Marziyeh Afkham said in her weekly press conference on Tuesday.

She also expressed hope that a Lebanese cabinet with those qualities would be formed as soon as possible, and added, “The Islamic Republic always pays special attention to maintenance of Lebanon’s national unity.”

The spokeswoman further condemned a terrorist car bomb attack in eastern Lebanon that injured two members of Lebanese Hezbollah movement on Tuesday.

The National News Agency (NNA) reported that Tuesday’s blast near the remote village of Sbouba in the Baalbek region "was caused by a suicide bomber".

Security sources said an explosives-laden vehicle exploded early Tuesday killing its driver and wounding two members from Hezbollah.

It was reported that Hezbollah members in a van were attempting to intercept the vehicle when it exploded in Sbouba, where the group maintains a military camp. There was an exchange of gunfire, they said.

“Iran condemns terrorist moves, the moves that aim to destabilize Lebanon and pursue the purposes of plotters, particularly the Zionist regime (of Israel),” Afkhazm pointed out.