Iran seeks purely constructive role in Lebanon, says spokesman

Tehran  - Iranian foreign minister Mohammad-Ali HosseiniIran's sole intention was to play a constructive role in the current crisis in Lebanon, the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman said Sunday.

While rejecting any interference, Mohammad-Ali Hosseini said that Iran wanted a balanced relationship with all Lebanese groups with the final aim of creating unity among them for settling the crisis.

The spokesman accused the United States and Israel of trying to sow the seeds of discord within the political factions in Lebanon.

Groups linked to Iran and Syria have been accused by the US and Israel of fuelling violent clashes in Lebanon, where the pro-Iranian Shiite movement Hezbollah on Friday took control of much of western Beirut.

Hosseini said Saturday that Iran was continuing all possible efforts to help the various political groups in Lebanon reach an understanding and end the tensions.

The spokesman said "adventurous intervention" by the US and Israel was the main cause for the escalation of violence in Lebanon.

Iran has denied providing military aid to Lebanon's radical groups and said that the nature of Tehran's support for Hezbollah was solely of a political and spiritual nature. (dpa)

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