The Lebanese Foreign Minister, Youssef Rajji, held a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, to discuss bilateral ties and regional developments, including ways to resolve the issue of passenger flights between the two countries.
On Saturday afternoon, Araghchi and Rajji stressed the necessity for Iran and Lebanon to expand their ties in political, economic, trade, and cultural sectors based on mutual respect and in the best interest of both nations, according to IRNA news agency.
The two top diplomats also exchanged views on ways to resolve the issue of passenger flights between the two countries and expressed their readiness for “constructive talks” in good faith.
Araghchi congratulated Rajji on his election as the new foreign minister of Lebanon and wished him and the new Lebanese government success.
President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, received this afternoon Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, with whom he discussed several issues, including the Iranian flight crisis, Israeli withdrawal from South Lebanon, and the ministerial statement.
After the meeting, Salam addressed the reporters without giving clear answers about the ways to resolve the Iranian flight crisis.
“We will continue to mobilize all the diplomatic and political support that Lebanon can ensure to achieve this essential entitlement,” Salam said regarding the issue of the Israeli withdrawal from South Lebanon.
He added, “If anyone thinks that the attack on UNIFIL in the manner that occurred would help achieve the Israeli withdrawal on February 18, he is mistaken.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport on Saturday announced that intensive efforts were underway to facilitate the travel of Lebanese citizens to and from Tehran, as authorities work around the clock to resolve the situation.
In a statement, the ministry said it was coordinating with relevant authorities to ensure the necessary arrangements for flights, particularly for those seeking to travel to or return from the Iranian capital. “The Lebanese Civil Aviation Authority is currently awaiting clearance from Tehran’s airport authorities to allow Middle East Airlines (MEA) flights to land. The carrier is scheduled to operate three flights to Tehran later today,” the statement read.
The ministry also noted that MEA flights scheduled for yesterday were postponed after failing to secure landing permits at Tehran International Airport.
Reaffirming its commitment to ensuring the safe and swift return of Lebanese citizens, the ministry stressed that it remained in close coordination with the relevant authorities to expedite the process.
“All necessary measures are being taken to address the matter with the utmost urgency,” the statement concluded.
Upon Hezbollah call, huge crowds gathered Saturday on Old Beirut Airport road to protest against the the aviation authorities’ decision to prevent the Iranian plane Mahan, carrying Lebanese passengers, from landing at Rafik Hariri Airport after a threat issued by the Israeli enemy to target he flight.
Source: Al-Manar English Website
