Iran seeks to turn new page in ties with Lebanon

BEIRUT - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told Lebanese officials on Tuesday that Iran wanted to turn a new page in relations with Beirut, hinting at a shift in diplomatic ties that were long grounded in supporting Tehran-backed armed group Hezbollah.

Hezbollah was once a powerful armed movement and political party with sway over Lebanons state, but it was severely weakened by Israels bombing campaign last year. Since then, Lebanons U.S.-backed army commander was elected president and a new cabinet with curtailed influence for Hezbollah and its allies took power.

Araqchis one-day trip to Beirut on Tuesday was his first since February, when he attended the funeral of Hezbollahs secretary general Hassan Nasrallah, killed in Israeli air strikes in September.

Araqchi told both Lebanons prime minister Nawaf Salam and foreign minister Youssef Raggi that he wanted to turn a new page in Irans ties with Lebanon, according to statements by Salam and Raggis offices.

Araqchi affirmed his countrys keenness to open a new page in bilateral relations with Lebanon, based on mutual respect and non-interference in each others internal affairs, Salams office said. Araqchi also extended a formal invitation for Salam to visit Iran.

The statement from Raggis office said the pair had a frank and direct discussion, including on establishing the states monopoly on the use of arms - an apparent reference to possible negotiations on the future of Hezbollahs arsenal.

The top Iranian diplomat briefly addressed reporters on Tuesday after meeting with Lebanons parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who is a key Hezbollah ally. Unlike previous addresses by Iranian diplomats, his comments did not mention Hezbollah.

The visit followed several turbulent episodes in ties between the two countries.

Lebanons foreign ministry summoned Irans ambassador to Beirut in April over comments alleging that plans to disarm Hezbollah were a conspiracy.