Hariri lands in Iran 'to seek help with Hizbullah'

Lebanese ministerial source says Sa'ad Hariri wants Teheran's help in pacifying Shi'ite group ahead of UN tribunal's report.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Hariri in Iran 311 (photo credit: Associated Press)
Hariri in Iran 311
(photo credit: Associated Press)
Lebanese Prime Minister Sa'ad Hariri arrived in Iran on Saturday with the expectation that the Islamic Republic would help reconcile his pro-Western camp with Hizbullah, AFP reported a Lebanese ministerial source as saying.
The source said that the Hariri visit is connected to the upcoming release of the report by the UN tribunal investigating the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri. It has been widely rumored that members of Hizbullah will be indicted for Hariri's murder, a move that would greatly threaten stability in Lebanon.
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"This visit is important because of its timing, when Lebanon is in crisis because of the expected indictment of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon," the source said.
"The Iranians will try to reconcile points of view between Hizbullah and Sa'ad Hariri," the source said.
The source added that Sa'ad Hariri would support Iran's "development of nuclear capabilities for civilian and peaceful purposes," in exchange for help in pacifying Hizbullah.
Hariri, in Iran for a three-day visit, was expected to meet with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Sunday. Ahmadinejad visited Lebanon last month.