Lebanon is Not an Israeli Colony, Flight Issue Must Be Resolved
WANA (Feb 17) – Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has strongly condemned the Israeli regime’s aggression and violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty, emphasizing that the recent problems concerning Tehran-Beirut flights must be addressed through direct dialogue between the two nations.
According to Lebanese newspaper reports, individuals who met with Berri quoted him as saying that the new issue surrounding Tehran-Beirut flights should be resolved responsibly and wisely, away from media sensationalism. He stressed that mistakes made in this regard could lead Lebanon into tensions that the country does not need.
Berri emphasized that the issue between Iran and Lebanon must be resolved through direct talks between the two countries. He also asserted that it is absolutely unacceptable for Israel to make decisions regarding Lebanon, particularly as it tries to prevent Iranian planes from landing at Rafik Hariri International Airport.
The Speaker further warned that if Israel continues its interference, it could claim that African nationals are transferring funds to Hezbollah, potentially threatening Lebanon’s central bank, much like it now threatens the airport.
“We are not Israel’s colony, and we will not become one,” Berri firmly stated. “We reject any foreign dictates that may harm our national sovereignty. Emergency crises must be resolved in Lebanon’s best interests.”
On Sunday, Hezbollah also issued a statement calling on the Lebanese government to reverse its decision to block Iranian planes from landing in Beirut. The group urged the government to take decisive action to prevent Israeli violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty and foreign dictates.
On Saturday, Hezbollah had called for a public gathering at the old airport road in Beirut to protest Israel’s interference, the imposition of conditions, and violations of Lebanon’s national sovereignty. The Lebanese people gathered to protest the government’s action in preventing Iranian flights from landing at Beirut International Airport.
Tensions Over Iranian Flights to Beirut
WANA (Feb 16) – After the Lebanese government blocked permission for an Iranian airplane to land at Beirut Airport on Thursday night (February 13), Lebanon witnessed widespread protests later that night and in the following hours. Esmail Baqai, the spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, claimed on Friday that Israel had “threatened” a passenger plane […]
