RIYADH, Jan 26: Saudi Arabia and Iran have reached an ‘understanding’ to help resolve the Lebanon crisis, according to an announcement issued after Saudi National Security Council Chief Prince Bandar bin Sultan met in Iran with his Iranian counterpart Ali Larijani.
Reports said the two leaders announced about the understanding at a press conference in Tehran. But they did not release details.
Speaking to newsmen Ali Larijani also announced that in the coming days, a French delegation would arrive in Iran.
However, in a Jan 24, 2007, interview with the French daily Le Figaro, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal said French mediation in the crisis would give Iran legitimacy to intervene in domestic Arab affairs.
Larijani emphasised during the press conference: “Saudi Arabia can play an important role in solving the problems and instilling calm in the region, and Iran and Saudi Arabia have common interests that can help expand their cooperation...”
Speaking at the conference, Saudi NSC chief Prince Bandar bin Sultan said: “King Abdullah has stressed the importance of unity and solidarity among the countries of the region. Saudi Arabia believes that the countries of the region must ensure the region’s independence, and not permit foreigners to interfere in this matter.”
He also stressed King Abdullah’s position that “the Islamic world must be alert to (attempts) by the enemy to sow civil war... and not permit the enemy to arouse disputes between Sunnis and Shia – after all, we all worship one God
“The countries of the region must be alert to and aware of the problems existing (in the region), particularly in Lebanon and Iraq. Saudi Arabia and Iran aspire to lead to unity among the countries of the region... If solidarity prevails among the countries of the region, the foreign countries will not interfere in (their) internal affairs. We hope that our discussions will lead to consolidation of the interests of the countries and nations in the region... The foreign ministers (of Iran and Saudi Arabia) will continue to deal with the issues and the agreements that were reached.”It has also been confirmed now that during a telephonic conversation between Iranian Foreign Minister Menouchehr Mottaki and his Saudi counterpart Prince Saud al-Faisal, it has been agreed that two sides would continue their mutual consultations so as to arrive at a satisfactory resolution of the Lebanon crisis, acceptable to all the parties.
Iranian Foreign Minister Menouchehr Mottaki also told some Iranian MPs that an understanding had been reached between Iran and Saudi Arabia with regard to Lebanon and Iraq.
The visit of Prince Bandar bin Sultan has been the culmination of intensive contacts between the two regional heavy weights in recent weeks.