LEBANON: Iranian FM holds talks with Lebanese leaders, says Security Council failed to protect Lebanese civilians

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said on Tuesday (August 1) that Iran was disappointed in the Security Council's failure 'to protect the innocent Lebanese people', during Israel's three weeks offensive. His comments came after holding talks with Lebanese President Emile Lahoud, during a visit to the country for discussion on resolving the crisis in Lebanon. "It is disappointing that the machine, which is the Security Council has failed to protect the innocent Lebanese people over the past 22-23 days," Mottaki said, "The Security Council has proved its lack of strength and efficiency in this crisis," he added. A meeting of the Security Council on Monday failed to reach an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, as requested by Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora following an Israeli air strike on Qana which killed up to 54 civilians mostly women and children on Sunday (July 30). European Union president Finland, echoing the growing international calls for a ceasefire, said Israel's plans to sweep further into Lebanon were unacceptable and would only fuel more Arab support for Hizbollah fighters. EU foreign ministers were set to call for an "immediate ceasefire" at talks in Brussels, according to a draft statement. Most Arab and European governments have insisted on an immediate end to fighting but Israel's closest ally, Washington, has said any ceasefire must be part of a broader deal that ends the threat to the Jewish state from Hizbollah. Mottaki also held talks with Siniora and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a Hizbollah ally. Later on Monday Mottaki held a news conference at the Iranian embassy in Beirut. He told reporters that Israel's military objectives were being resisted and that they were having to accept their failure. "Today the strength or heroism of the large population of Lebanon has been the centre of worldwide attention. In comparison with all the wars the Zionists have undertaken against the Arab world and the seven recent widespread attacks this is in fact the first time that the Zionist regime is facing a threatening opposition and is being forced to accept failure for not having reached its military goals," he said. On Monday (July 31), Mottaki met his French counterpart Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy, who earlier said that contacts with Tehran were needed to help restore stability to the Middle East. The United States has refused to back calls for an immediate halt, instead calling for a sustainable end to the conflict which erupted on July 12 when Hizbollah captured two Israeli soldiers in a raid into Israel.

ITN Source | August 1, 2006

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