Hezbollah too strong; it does not need weapons: Larijani
TEHRAN, Sep. 27 (MNA) – Iran and other nations play a role in Lebanon's reconstruction, according to the top Iranian security official Ali Larijani on Saturday, stressing that Hezbollah movement is too strong that does not need weapons from anyone.
The Secretary of Iran's National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Larijani made the comments in a press conference on Saturday, talking to Lebanese and Iranian journalists in Beirut.
The news conference was held after Larijani's meeting with Nabih Berri, Lebanon's parliament speaker.
In response to a question about Iran-Saudi Arabia relations and Sheikh Naim Qassem's invitation to Saudi Arabia to open a new chapter in relations, "I like and admire Mr. Naim Qassem's initiative."
Larijani told reporters that "The Saudi government is a brotherly and Muslim government, and we have consultations together."
He added that "Today is a day of cooperation, and the Islamic world is facing a common enemy."
The secretary of the SNSC added that Hezbollah's secretary, Sheikh Naim Qassem's step was for the comfort of the Lebanese people and it was the right step.
He said that "Hezbollah is a genuine movement in Lebanon and the Islamic world, and its only concern is the comfort of the Lebanese people."
He continued to say that "Hezbollah is a strong defensive wall against Israel, and they sacrifice themselves for the comfort of the Lebanese people."
The top Iranian security official continued to say that, "Any political movement that can help the comfort of the Lebanese people is useful, in our opinion."
He added, "The resistance movement is a great asset for the Islamic world, especially the Hezbollah movement, which is a very important movement against Israel."
Larijani stated, "Although Lebanon is a small country, it is a powerful against Israel."
The SNSC secretary continued, "It is because of this strong will that has found roots in the young generation. Hezbollah and Hassan Nasrallah are deep-rooted in the hearts of Muslims."
In response to a question about US Envoy Tom Barak's claim that he provided several million dollars in financial assistance to Hezbollah and whether Iran has a role in arming Hezbollah, Larijani stated, "I think Mr. Barak said that out of anger."
In response to the question of whether Iran plays a role in bringing Saudi Arabia and Hezbollah closer, he said that "We consider it right for the Saudis and Hezbollah to be able to have intellectual cooperation."
He also said in response to another question, "Good efforts are being made in the region and we are also following up on the issue of rebuilding houses that were destroyed in the brutal Israeli attacks."
In response to the question of whether Iran provides weapons to Hezbollah, he stated, "Hezbollah does not need weapons from anyone. It is strong enough that it does not need to acquire weapons from somewhere else."
