BEIRUT, March 24, 2022 (Xinhua) Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian affirmed Thursday in Beirut his country’s readiness to cooperate with Lebanon in various fields, especially economic and trade.
This came in a press conference that followed talks held by Abdullahian with his Lebanese counterpart, Abdullah Bou Habib, in which he reiterated Iran’s readiness to move forward in building two power plants in Lebanon, each with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts.
He pointed out that the project was presented to Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati last February, during their meeting on the sidelines of the Munich Security Forum.
He affirmed standing by Lebanon and taking every step that contributes to overcoming the economic and financial problems and troubles that Lebanon is suffering from at this sensitive stage in its history.
“We have put forward a basket of positive and constructive proposals in this field, and these proposals will take their way to study and follow-up by Lebanese officials,” he added.
He expressed his belief that “Lebanon will be able to complete the entitlement of the parliamentary elections next May with all success and in a manner that leads to a better future for the country.”
On the Palestinian issue, he affirmed that “the resistance is the only way to liberate Palestine and form a free and independent Palestinian state, but we consider, on the other hand, that allowing a general popular referendum for all the historical residents of Palestine, whether they are Muslims, Christians or Jews, can give an image clear for the future that the Palestinian people aspire to.”
Regarding the Vienna negotiations, he expressed his belief that “the United States, instead of manipulating the elements of time and words, should make the right choice and the feasible, useful and constructive matters that can pave the way for the completion and conclusion of this nuclear agreement.”
“We are ready to achieve a strong, good and sustainable agreement, but not for this agreement to be the price of crossing Iranian red lines,” he added.
He stressed, “If there is a realistic American view of approaching matters, we will witness the birth and completion of the nuclear agreement at the earliest possible opportunity, and if a final agreement is reached, we believe that this matter will benefit all countries in the region.”
On the obstacles in achieving the agreement, he said, “Some of the issues that are still pending are related to the lifting of the unjust sanctions imposed on Iran.”
Earlier in the day, Abdullahian held separate talks with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and the government, Najib Mikati, on bilateral relations and regional and international situations.
Today, the Iranian Foreign Minister arrived in Beirut from the Syrian capital, Damascus, on an official visit to Lebanon that will continue until tomorrow (Friday), during which he will meet President Michel Aoun and political and partisan figures.
