WASHINGTON (AFP)
Saudi Arabia said on Tuesday that Iranian-backed Hezbollah's routing of the government's supporters in Lebanon would affect the Islamic Republic's ties with Arab countries.
"Of course, for Iran to back the coup that happened in Lebanon and support it will have an impact on its relations with all Arab countries," Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal said at a news conference.
Lebanon's army stepped up patrols on Tuesday as part of a drive to restore order after a week of fighting between Hezbollah fighters and pro-government gunmen.
Hezbollah, the Shiite Muslim movement backed by Iran and Syria, and its opposition allies have routed supporters of the Western-backed government in Beirut and hills to the east in fighting that has pushed Lebanon to the brink of a new civil war.
Faisal said his country, a strong backer of the Lebanese government, was gravely concerned about the "coup" in Lebanon.
In an apparent reference to Iran and Syria, he called on regional players not to interfere in Lebanon's political affairs and undermine its sovereignty.
"The kingdom renews its calls to all regional sides to respect the sovereignty and independence of Lebanon and to desist from interfering in its internal affairs and provoking sectarian strife..."
Later on Tuesday, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad rejected the accusations. "Iran is the only country not interfering in Lebanon," Ahmadinejad told a news conference.
Lebanon was experiencing its calmest day since violence flared on May 7 after Prime Minister Fouad Siniora outlawed Hezbollah's communications network and fired Beirut airport's security chief, who is close to the Shiite group.
Hezbollah said this was a declaration of war and swiftly took over much of Beirut, crushing pro-government Sunni Muslim gunmen. It then handed over its gains to the army. |
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Bush warning Meanwhile, U.S. President George W. Bush Monday warned Iran and Syria that the international community would not allow Lebanon to fall under foreign domination again, as he vowed to shore up the Lebanese army.
"I strongly condemn Hezbollah's recent efforts, and those of their foreign sponsors in Tehran and Damascus, to use violence and intimidation to bend the government and people of Lebanon to their will," Bush said in a statement.
"The international community will not allow the Iranian and Syrian regimes, via their proxies, to return Lebanon to foreign domination and control," he said.
Bush said Washington would help Siniora by strengthening his armed forces.
"It's probably the most practical way that we can get some help to him quickly," he told Al Arabiya television, according to a transcript of the interview.
Bush said he planned to consult with regional leaders during his trip to the Middle East this week in order to coordinate efforts to support Siniora's government and implement U.N. resolutions supporting Lebanon's sovereignty. |
