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Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (file)
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| By Israel Insider staff and partners February 17, 2007 |
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The time of Iran and Lebanon's enemy is over, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Friday, calling for tighter relations between the two countries.
During a farewell meeting with outgoing Lebanese Ambassador to Tehran Adnan Mansour, the president stated that "Iran and Lebanon are both limbs of the same body," adding that "unfortunately, the Lebanese part is wounded."
"The Lebanese people are lovely and brave with a rich culture," said Ahmadinejad.
The president also lauded the bravery of the Lebanese people in view of the difficulties they have faced recently, the Iranian news agency IRNA reported.
According to Ahmadinejad, broader relations between Tehran and Beirut would help foil "the plots being hatched by the enemies of the two nations." He stated that problems resulting from the "antagonist policies pursued by the enemies and hegemonic powers" need to be resolved through reliance on belief in God, patience and wisdom.
"The time of our enemies is over, and -- as in the past -- the Iranian government and nation support the Lebanese people during the some of the toughest moments in their history," he declared.
Referring to the recent war between Hizbullah and Israel, Ahmadinejad said that the "spectacular resistance" of the Lebanese nation against the Zionist regime was "unique and unparalleled."
"With its resistance, the Lebanese nation became the flag of resistance, piety, and pride for all nations," Ahmadinejad added. "We hope the present day problems with which your brave nation is entangled would be solved in favor of Lebanon's pride and national sovereignty."
Envoy: Most Lebanese love Iran
Outgoing Lebanese Ambassador Mansour, for his part, commented on the two nations' shared cultures, histories and fates, and said that "The Islamic Republic of Iran has always, under the toughest circumstances, supported Lebanon's independence and advancement by adopting the bravest stands."
Mansour voiced his appreciation for the Iranian government's "relentless spiritual support" for the Lebanese nation throughout his eight-year tenure in Tehran.
He added, "These eight years were among the most memorable periods of my life, and I love Iran from the bottom of my heart, like the majority of the Lebanese people."
Ynetnews and IRNA contributed to this report. |
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