Report: Salam Hopes to Boroujerdi that Iran's Ties to Lebanon 'Would Serve all Lebanese'

Chairman of Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee Alaeddin Boroujerdi concluded on Saturday a visit to Lebanon during which he met with various Lebanese officials, including Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Tammam Salam, and Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.

Salam had hoped during his talks with the Iranian official that Tehran would exert efforts that would help end the presidential deadlock in Lebanon, reported the pan-Arab daily al-Hayat on Sunday.

The lawmaker informed the premier that Iran is eager to have good ties with Lebanon, to which Salam responded: “We are keen on the best ties with Iran that we hope would serve all the Lebanese people, not just one faction.”

The Iranian official then expressed his country's keenness on supporting Lebanon's stability and security.

Sources revealed that Salam had replied to his statement by “hoping that stability would be backed at all times, such as when Tehran supported the formation of a Lebanese government.”

“We hope that you would push matters to end the impasse over the presidency,” he added.

Boroujerdi had pledged to relay this message to the Iranian leadership, said al-Hayat.

Lebanon has been without a president since May when the term of Michel Suleiman ended without the election of his successor.

Ongoing disputes between the rival March 8 and 14 camps have thwarted the elections.

Commenting on the presidential elections on Friday, Boroujerdi said: “This is a Lebanese issue but we hope for a quick solution.”

M.T.