Roknabadi: Iran Standing By Lebanon, Exerting Utmost Efforts to Protect Lebanese Unity

Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon Ghazanfar Roknabadi on Thursday stressed that his country was "exerting utmost efforts in order to preserve the unity of the Lebanese," adding that "the Special Tribunal for Lebanon is a Lebanese affair."

"Iran discusses with the Lebanese the key regional and global issues. As to the domestic issues and topics, we have already stated our position in that regard," added Roknabadi.

He described the meeting held Thursday between visiting Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Lebanese Premier Saad Hariri as "positive and excellent."

The Iranian ambassador reiterated that his country "stands by Lebanon, the whole of Lebanon, in weal and woe and during all circumstances."

"We're ready for cooperation in all fields," stressed Roknabadi.

Asked whether Hariri had officially asked Iran to equip the Lebanese army during his talks with Ahmadinejad, Roknabadi said: "We have declared, and President Ahmadinejad has declared that we're ready to help in all fields