In their joint press conference after holding talks in Alexandria, the Iranian Foreign Minister replied to a question on Hezbollah's position and its relations with Iran saying that Hezbollah is part of the Lebanese government and the Lebanese are the ones who should decide for themselves. However, he said that Iran has supported and would support any decision to be taken by Lebanon.

 

Asked when relations between Egypt and Iran would be restored, Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit said Egyptian-Iranian relations were stable and cordial.

 

He added that Egypt and Iran share similar viewpoints on several issues pointing out that the concentration is being placed at the moment on the need to secure a ceasefire in Lebanon.

Abul -Gheit said Egypt had contacts Saturday 12/8/2006 with the Israelis, the UN Secretary-General, EU Security and Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana, the French Foreign Minster and Security Council members.

 

In all those contacts the Egyptian diplomacy stressed the importance of enforcing a quick ceasefire, a quick deployment of UNIFIL in south Lebanon and a withdrawal of the Israeli troops.

 

The Minister noted that Egypt and Iran were of the view that the Israeli troops' withdrawal from Lebanon should take place as soon as possible in order to guarantee a quick return of those who fled south Lebanon.

 

Answering a question on Iran's nuclear file and relations with the United States, the Iranian Minister labeled as "natural" the accusations Washington leveled against his country.

 

He pointed out that the Americans give themselves the right to possess nuclear weapons but deny others the right to use nuclear power for peaceful purposes.

 

Mottaki said the peoples of the region do not accept such logic that entitles the US Administration the right to plan for them and tell them what they should do.

 

Asked whether Egypt was playing a mediatory role between Tehran and Washington, Abul Gheit replied in the negative.

 

As for "Egypt's position vis-à-vis Iran's nuclear file, Abul -Gheit said that according to the provisions of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) every country has the right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

 

Mottaki said that his country views Egypt as an important country in the region and always holds consultations with the Egyptian brothers on regional as well as international developments.
He added that both countries adopt similar positions vis-à-vis several issues.

 

The two countries have expressed their profound concern at the Israeli flagrant attacks on Lebanon, the killing of innocent civilians and devastation of Lebanon's infrastructure.