Iran has called for the establishment of a clear timetable for Israel's withdrawal from occupied areas of Lebanon, describing it as an essential condition for achieving a lasting agreement to end the war and ensure regional stability, Press TV reported.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei made the remarks on Sunday in response to questions from reporters about the agreement signed between Israel and Lebanon in Washington with US mediation, as well as the implementation of the first provision of the Iran-US Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on ending the war in Lebanon.
He reiterated Iran's longstanding position on Lebanon's sovereignty, saying the Islamic Republic considers the protection of Lebanon's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, along with safeguarding the dignity and security of all Lebanese citizens, to be a fundamental prerequisite for any sustainable agreement aimed at ending the war and Israel's military presence in the country.
According to the spokesman, Iran's position is based on the principles of the United Nations Charter and the fundamental rules of international law, stressing that respect for Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity is indispensable for the durability of any agreement concerning the cessation of hostilities and Israel's occupation of Lebanese territory.
Baghaei said that this approach had shaped Iran's demands during both the April 8 ceasefire understanding and the June 18 memorandum of understanding on ending the war.
bd-pratidin/GR