Beirut, Aug 16, IRNA – Iran’s Ambassador to Lebanon Mohammad Fathali said the visit of the Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to the country took place in a very sensitive time.

Talking to the Lebanese daily “Albana”, he said the visit was very significant in that it took place in very sensitive regional conditions on the threshold of the 9th anniversary of resistance movements’ victory in 2006 against Israel.
He said the visit was also important because it occurred in the aftermath of the nuclear deal between Iran and the 5+1.
According to the ambassador, Zarif’s response to the call by the Lebanese officials about Iran’ assistance in picking a president was that the Lebanese themselves were capable enough of undertaking the responsibility.
However, he said, the foreign minister highlighted Iran’s special interest in Lebanon.
Fathali further pointed to the meeting between Zarif and the Hizbullah Leader Sayyed Hassan Nassrallah and said it was a very good and valuable one.
He said during the meeting Zarif stressed that Iran never dictated anything to its allies nor did it force them into doing anything.
Zarif and Nasrallah on Wednesday called for regional cooperation against extremism.
In the meeting, Nasrallah called Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action (JCPOA) a positive achievement for Iran, Lebanon and the entire region.
Zarif, heading a high-ranking delegation, arrived in Beirut on Tuesday evening on the first leg of his regional tour after conclusion of nuclear talks between Iran and the Group 5+1 (the US, China, Russia, France and Britain plus Germany) in Vienna on July 14.

By IRNA