Hezbollah’s Ghaleb Abu Zeinab stresses Lebanon’s need for positive relations with Iran following protests against the government’s ban on Iranian flights. The Lebanon Directorate General of Civil Aviation implemented temporary flight rescheduling for additional security. Tensions rise with Israeli threats complicating air travel, prompting discussions between Lebanese and Iranian authorities for restoring services and addressing stranded passengers.
Ghaleb Abu Zeinab, a member of Hezbollah’s Politburo, emphasized the necessity of maintaining good relations with Iran in an interview with al-Manar’s TV channel. He expressed discontent regarding the Lebanese government’s recent decision to temporarily ban an Iranian plane from landing at Beirut’s airport, which led to violent protests. Abu Zeinab criticized the government’s actions and urged Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to pursue a more balanced relationship with both Iran and the United States, rejecting any submission to U.S. pressures.
On Thursday, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of Lebanon announced a temporary rescheduling of flights from Iran due to heightened security measures, effective until February 18. Following this announcement, protests erupted as Lebanese citizens blocked access to the Beirut airport, expressing their dissatisfaction with the government’s decision. Authorities subsequently worked on repatriating Lebanese passengers stranded in Iran with Middle East Airlines flights.
Despite Lebanon’s efforts to send planes to Iran for stranded passengers, Iranian authorities denied permission for the Lebanese aircraft to land. Lebanon’s Foreign Minister, Joe Raggi, stated that his ministry is in discussions with Iran to address the issue. Iran’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, confirmed that Tehran is seeking to restore air travel between the two nations and indicated the conditions under which Iran would permit evacuations.
Tensions escalated with Israel’s threats against Iranian planes aiming to land in Lebanon, further complicating the air travel situation. Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, condemned Israel’s threats and actions as violations of international law and Lebanese sovereignty. This situation has been exacerbated since Lebanon’s Transport Ministry prohibited an Iranian aircraft from using its airspace following Israeli warnings of potential military action against it.
The situation surrounding air travel between Lebanon and Iran has become increasingly tense, marked by violent protests over the Lebanese government’s actions. Ghaleb Abu Zeinab’s call for balanced relations underscores the geopolitical complexities of the region. The refusal of Iranian flights and the threats posed by Israel further add layers to this diplomatic issue, necessitating immediate dialogue and resolution between the involved nations.
Original Source: en.mehrnews.com
