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Iran says British Hezbollah ban ‘irresponsible’
TEHRAN, March 2, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Iran condemned Britain’s decision to
outlaw the political wing of Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement on Saturday,
describing it as “wrong and irresponsible.”
Britain said Monday it would seek to make membership of the Shiite
movement or inviting support for it a crime.
The decision followed outrage over the display of the Hezbollah flag,
which features a Kalashnikov assault rifle, at pro-Palestinian demonstrations
in London.
“Iran considers Hezbollah a legitimate and legal force which plays an
effective and undeniable role in helping its country’s political stability
and safeguarding its security,” the foreign ministry said on its website.
“[It] considers the decision to place Hezbollah on a terrorism blacklist
to be wrong and irresponsible and one which will not contribute to the
stability and security of Lebanon.”
Hezbollah was established in 1982 during the Lebanese civil war and fought
a 2006 war with Israel.
It is also a major force in the country’s politics, holding three cabinet
posts.
Britain blacklisted Hezbollah’s military wing in 2008 but had until now
made no move against its political wing.
However, British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said on Monday that any
distinction between its military and political wings “does not exist”.
“This (decision) does not change our ongoing commitment to Lebanon, with
whom we have a broad and strong relationship,” he said.
Tehran is a major supporter of Hezbollah and its “resistance” against the
Islamic republic’s arch foe Israel.
Britain’s decision drew swift praise from both Israel and the United
States.
BSS/AFP/FI/ 1740 rhrs