STORY: Iran supports Lebanese gov't ceasefire efforts: official 
SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 15, 2024
DATELINE: Nov. 16, 2024
LENGTH: 00:02:42
LOCATION: Beirut 
CATEGORY: POLITICS 

SHOTLIST:
1. various of building collapsing after Israeli strike on the southern suburbs of Beirut
2. various of Ali Larijani, senior advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader
3. SOUNDBITE (Persian): ALI LARIJANI, Senior advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader 
4. various of Ali Larijani, senior advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader   

STORYLINE:

Iran supports any decision taken by the Lebanese government, especially the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701, Ali Larijani, senior advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, said in Beirut on Friday, according to a statement by the Lebanese Council of Ministers.

"Iran supports any decision taken by the government of Lebanon, especially when it comes to the implementation of Resolution 1701 and the election of any president agreed upon by the Lebanese," Larijani said during his meeting in Beirut with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

SOUNDBITE (Persian): ALI LARIJANI, Senior advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader  
"The Islamic Republic of Iran will stand fully with the Lebanese republic and Lebanese people in all circumstances, particularly during these difficult times that the Palestinian people and the Lebanese people are passing through because of what Israel is committing against them. We consider our position to stand with Lebanon is an obligation in the context of supporting the Lebanese people and government."

Resolution 1701 ended the last round of conflict between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006 and stipulated that southern Lebanon must be free of arms that do not belong to the Lebanese state.

Larijani arrived in the Lebanese capital Beirut earlier in the day to discuss the latest developments in the country with Lebanese officials.

In a press conference after the meeting with House Speaker Nabih Berri, Larijani said, "We do not seek to undermine any step... we want to see a solution to the situation in Lebanon."

"Hezbollah is a solid and rational movement, and we will support the resistance in all circumstances," he added.

For his part, Mikati called on Iran to support the Lebanese state's position of implementing Resolution 1701 and its national unity, and not to take positions that would create sensitivities among Lebanese groups or serve the interests of a particular group.

Since Sept. 23, the Israeli army has intensified its air attack on Lebanon in an escalation of conflict with Hezbollah. Israel further initiated a ground operation across its northern border into Lebanon in early October.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Beirut.
(XHTV)