Hezbollah’s Ghaleb Abu Zeinab criticized Lebanon’s temporary ban on Iranian flights as detrimental to relations with Iran. Protests broke out at Beirut International Airport following this decision. Lebanon is making efforts to repatriate stranded citizens in Iran, but Iran has yet to allow Lebanese planes to land. The situation is complicated by escalated tensions with Israel regarding airspace violations.
Ghaleb Abu Zeinab, a member of Hezbollah’s Politburo, expressed concerns regarding the Lebanese government’s decision to temporarily ban Iranian flights amid violent protests near Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport. He stated, “The Lebanese government’s stance on what happened at the airport in Beirut following the refusal of an Iranian plane carrying Lebanese passengers to land was not correct and promising.” Abu Zeinab emphasized the importance of maintaining positive relations with Iran for Lebanon’s interests.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation in Lebanon announced the temporary rescheduling of flights, including those from Iran, citing additional security measures. Subsequently, protesters blocked access to the airport and set tires ablaze in response to the government’s actions. Efforts were made by the Lebanese government to repatriate passengers stranded in Iran due to the flight ban.
In an effort to resolve the situation, Lebanon coordinated with its national airline, Middle East Airlines, to send planes to retrieve stranded citizens, yet Iran denied permission for these aircraft to land. Foreign Minister Joe Raggi confirmed ongoing discussions with Iranian officials to address the matter and restore normal flight operations between both nations.
In a televised statement, Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon Mojtaba Amani conveyed Tehran’s willingness to facilitate flights, provided Lebanon allowed Iranian aircraft to operate without hindrance. This diplomatic dialogue occurs against the backdrop of escalating tensions involving Israel, which has threatened Iranian flights.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned Israel’s threats against passenger planes, citing disturbances in normal air traffic to Beirut. The situation is further complicated by previous Lebanese government directives that prohibited Iranian aircraft from entering its airspace due to Israeli warnings, highlighting the tense geopolitical climate in the region.
In summary, maintaining amicable relations with Iran is deemed essential by Hezbollah officials, especially in light of recent flight bans and public protests. The Lebanese government’s actions have sparked significant unrest, prompting diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis surrounding stranded citizens in Iran. The ongoing tensions with Israel further complicate Lebanon’s approach to its airspace policy and international relations.
Original Source: en.mehrnews.com
