Rouhani: France can play productive role in Middle East
France can play a productive role in the Middle East by taking a “realistic and impartial approach”, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani told French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in a phone call on Tuesday, according to Iranian state media.
Rouhani referred to the “adventurism of some inexperienced princes in the region” and said France could play a positive role in easing the situation, Reuters reported.
“We are against adventurism and creating division in the region and believe that France, by keeping an independent vote and its position in the region, can, with a realistic and impartial approach, have a productive role,” he said.
The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and other Arab states accused Iran and Lebanese Hezbollah movement of meddling in Arab countries’ affairs at talks in Cairo on Sunday, calling for a united front to counter Iranian influence.
Rouhani said his country is not seeking to “dominate” the Middle East, stressing that the Islamic Republic, instead, is trying to help restore peace and security to the region.
“Our presence in Iraq and Syria is at the invitation of the governments of these countries to fight terrorism,” Rouhani said.
Stability in Lebanon
He also highlighted the importance of maintaining stability in Lebanon and, in the phone call with Macron, noted what he characterized as the threat posed by Israel.
“Hezbollah are a part of the Lebanese people and are incredibly loved in this country. Their weapons are only defensive and are only for use in the face of a potential attack,” Rouhani said.
“Now we have to try so the Lebanese groups can, with security, have a government that can help advance their country.”
Macron has tried to mediate in a regional crisis that erupted after Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-hariri announced his resignation in a broadcast from Saudi Arabia on Nov. 4, accusing Tehran and Hezbollah of sowing strife across the Middle East. Analysts maintain that Hariri has resigned under Saudi intimidation.
Bilateral ties
Rouhani told Macron that the Islamic Republic was ready to develop its relations with France on all bilateral, regional and international issues based on mutual respect and shared goals, Tasnim News Agency reported.
The French president also called for the expansion of bilateral ties between Tehran and Paris in all fields.
He also stressed that all parties to the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers should help protect the agreement.
Macron further said that his government is making all-out effort to help banks and businesspeople strengthen their ties with Iran.
Macron also expressed hope that the situations in Yemen and Syria would come to an end as soon as possible.
The French president invited his Iranian counterpart to travel to Paris next month to attend the international climate change conference.