Lebanese Christian Party Welcomes Iran's Military Aid

Beirut, Oct 8, IRNA – A major Christian faction at the Lebanese Parliament has welcomed Iran's military donation to Lebanon to help the Arab state in its fight against Tekfiri terrorist groups. The Change and Reform bloc, led by Michel Aoun, urged the government of Prime Minister Tammam Salam in a statement to take necessary measures soon to speed up delivery of Tehran's military aid to Lebanon. Noting that Iran's military donation is by no means against international laws and regulations, the statement strongly condemned any political opposition against the move. The Change and Reform bloc of the Lebanese parliament, also known as the Aounist party, is a Lebanese political party, led by General Michel Aoun. It is the second largest party in Lebanon's parliament (after the Future Movement) and the largest party in the Christian half of the parliament with 19 seats. Christians possess 64 out of the total 128 seats of the Lebanese parliament. In a recent visit to Lebanon, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Shamkhani who is also a representative to the Supreme Leader of Iran announced Tehran's readiness to have defensive cooperation with Beirut. Shamkhani said Iran will equip Lebanese armed forces with necessary weapons. Details of military aid and providing the Lebanese army with military equipment will be announced during upcoming visit of Lebanese Defense Minister Samir Moqbel to Iran, shamkhani said. The Change and Reform bloc referred to Iran's military donation as real, available and unconditional and said the Lebanese Army is apt to use it immediately considering the critical security condition in the country. Lebanon is experiencing one of the toughest security challenges in its recent years since clashes erupted in the northeastern town of Arsal last month due to operations of the terrorist Takfiri groups threatening to rupture Lebanon's already fragile political situation. Receiving Iran's military aid which will take place upon the demand of the country's Defense Minister Samir Moqbel needs the approval of the Premier Salam's cabinet, said the Change and Reform bloc statement. It added that Tehran's official note to this end was handed over to the related bodies for urgent action. Iran's Ambassador to Lebanon Mohammad Fathali said earlier in a meeting with Talal Arslan, leader of the Lebanese Democratic Party, that Tehran has handed over the list of its proposed weapons to the Lebanese government along with an official note. The Change and Reform bloc argued in its statement that any opposition to Iran's military donation in the present critical condition of Lebanon would be dangerous for that country./end