Fresh from Iran visit, Lebanese defense minister kicks off political tour

BEIRUT: Defense Minister Samir Moqbel has been meeting with high-ranking political officials in Lebanon since Tuesday morning, shortly after his return from Iran where he discussed the Iranian military aid package to the Lebanese Army.

Without making any statements on the purpose of the tour, Moqbel met with Prime Minister Tammam Salam, Army commander Gen. Jean Kahwagi and former President Michel Suleiman Tuesday morning.

He then headed to visit Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun and Kataeb Party chief Amine Gemayel.

Moqbel only told reporters that he and Aoun were “on the same page,” but did not clarify whether the talks with the leaders were centered on the military aid that he had been discussing in Tehran for the last few days.

Moqbel had just arrived to Lebanon from a three-day official visit to Tehran, where he met top officials to discuss the military aid.

After meeting with Moqbel Monday, Iran's defense minister said his country was ready to ship defensive materials to Lebanon to aid its army in the fight against extremist, but stressed that the deal was waiting for Lebanon’s approval.

Although the Lebanese government had announced that it welcomed any unconditional support to the Army, the Iranian aid has sparked some controversy, with local and international figures pointing out that it would be a violation of U.N. sanctions on Iran.

According to sanctions applied in March 2007, Iran is forbidden to sell, export or move any weapons from its territory to other countries.

Lebanese voices also called for refusing the aid because of Iran’s involvement in supporting Hezbollah and the unofficial reports saying the U.S. strongly opposes the acceptance of such donation.

On the other hand, Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil had announced that he will submit a proposal for a Cabinet approval of the aid.

The French Foreign Ministry, represented by its spokesperson Romain Nadal, warned Tuesday that any Iranian military package to Lebanon should not violate the international sanctions on the Islamic Republic.