Israel brewing Lebanon crisis: Lahoud

[Mac Seafraidh]

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 21:52:26 GMT  

Former Lebanese president Emile Lahoud has called for awareness amid ongoing Israeli efforts to create conflict among Lebanese groups.

"Although the Zionist regime suffered a crushing defeat in the 33-day war, it did not give up its covert and blatant schemes to create division in Lebanon," Lahoud said in a Tuesday meeting with the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Saeed Jalili.

In the summer of 2006, Israeli waged a 33-day war against Lebanon from July 12 to August 14. It imposed an air and naval blockade on Lebanon and launched a ground incursion into the country's southern regions.

After Israel's withdrawal on September 8, political conflict escalated in Lebanon, with the US pressuring the Lebanese government to disarm Hezbollah.

However, the conflict between supporters of opposition groups and the Western-backed government died down with the Doha agreement and the election of Michel Suleiman as president on May 25.

After the Doha deal, rival Lebanese groups formed a national unity government, allocated ministerial posts to both sides, and allowed Hezbollah to keep its arms.

"Lebanon's enemies were trying to turn the sweet taste of victory into bitterness for the Lebanese people after their inspirational triumph. But, they have encountered a dead-end," said Jalili.

Lahoud is currently on a visit to Tehran. The former president has also met with Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki.

During their meeting, Mottaki praised Lebanese officials for their insight and lauded regional countries for their cooperation, saying these two factors were what made the Doha agreement possible.

Lahoud said that Israel, now defeated, was trying to seek revenge by causing a crisis in Lebanon.

"That is why they [Israeli officials] have made disarmament of the resistance [Hezbollah] the focus of their efforts," he said.

http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=73 ... =351020203