Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
BEIRUT, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) — Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raji said on Wednesday he had declined his Iranian counterpart's invitation to visit Iran, suggesting instead that they hold the meeting in a "neutral third country."
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi extended an invitation last week to hold talks on bilateral relations.
As reported by the Lebanese National News Agency, Y. Raji indicated in a written response to A. Araghchi that the rejection of the invitation “does not mean a refusal of dialogue, but rather that the appropriate atmosphere for such a visit is currently absent.”
Yuri Raji again invited Araqchi to hold a meeting in a neutral third country by mutual agreement. He expressed "Lebanon's full readiness to establish a new stage in constructive relations between Lebanon and Iran, provided that they are based solely on mutual respect for the independence and sovereignty of each state, as well as non-interference in internal affairs in any form or under any pretext."
The head of the Lebanese Foreign Ministry stated his “firm conviction that building a strong state is only possible if the state itself, represented by its national army, has the exclusive right to bear arms and retains the exclusive right to decide on war and peace.”
Y. Raji added that the Iranian minister “will always be a welcome guest in Lebanon.”
Despite maintaining diplomatic ties between Lebanon and Iran, relations between the two countries are often complicated by regional factors. Lebanon's political leadership consistently emphasizes the need for non-interference, expressing concern over Iran's support for Hezbollah.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.