Lebanese ambassador dubs Iran an influential power in region

Fadi Haj Ali told that Dr Zarif’s choice of visiting Lebanon as the main venue to interact with the Middle East was an honor for Lebanon, AVA Diplomatic reports.In an interview to Mehr News international service, Fadi Haj Ali, Lebanese ambassador to Tehran answered questions.

What do you think about the Syrian crisis, is any solution possible in short horizons?  Do you think it will be solved soon?

Syria is a friend for Lebanon. We have had close ties with the country and what is happening in Syria will directly affect Lebanon as well. .

I hope Syrian crisis will be solved soon, because had it continued, the whole region including Lebanon and Iraq will be affected.

High honorable ambassador, what is the Lebanon’s view about the Geneva-2 invitation withdrawal from Iran and Iran’s absence in the conference? Do you think the crisis will be solved without the international cooperation?

Iran is certainly an important country in the region and for Islam, and Lebanon supported Iran’s participation in the Geneva-2 conference. Iran is an influential country in the region so it plays an important role in the regional and international issues. I think withdrawal of Iran invitation to the Geneva-2 conference was a mistake leading to negative implications on Syrian crisis.

What do you think the relations between Iran and Lebanon will be during the presidency of Dr. Rouhani?

First of all I would love to offer congratulations to the Iranian nation and you for the great presidential elections which elected the cabinet of ‘prudence and hope’.  The ‘prudence and hope’ government has flown hope among the region’s nations as well. We always emphasize on Iran’s important role in solving regional and international conflicts. As to Iran and Lebanon relations, I should say that the two countries have tried to boost the relations. In economic sector we have had a lot of cooperation with the Iranians and Iran has invested heavily in Lebanon. I would also love to offer condolences to the families of the Iranian embassy martyrs who were killed in a blast in Beirut.

What do you think about Geneva deal on Iran’s nuclear program?

Lebanon welcomes the deal and believes that it brings economic gains for Iran and the whole region, and also the opportunity for Iran to play its role in the region.

Regarding the discords between Iran and the US, do you think there will be any way out from the situation?

There have been many ups and downs through the recent decades in Iran-US relations, and it seems that any change needs more time. The background of the two countries relations has faced many problems but the recent meetings of their officials can be an open session for the both to have new round of relations.

What do you think about Dr Rouhani’s WAVE proposal to UN?

Lebanon was one of the countries voting for the WAVE. Lebanon welcomes Dr Rouhani’s proposal in international arena for Dr Rouhani’s support of peace and war against violence.