Iran says Israel seeks to create division in Lebanon

TEHRAN, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Wednesday Israel seeks to create division in Lebanon for its own interests.

"Undoubtedly, Zionists (Israel) benefit from creating division in Lebanon," Rouhani said in a meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Tehran on Wednesday, according to state TV.

However, the Lebanese nation and government have managed to foil enemies' "divisive plots," he was quoted as saying.

"The Iranian nation and government have always stood by and will continue to stand by the Lebanese nation and government in the resistance against the Zionist regime's aggression," he said.

Rouhani called for regional convergence, saying that "All regional nations need to do their utmost to help restoration of stability and security to the region, and there is no other option."

He also urged Muslim states not to allow foreign powers like the United States and Israel to go ahead with their plans to sow discord and spread animosity.

For his part, Berri hailed Iran's support for Lebanon and the Lebanese Hezbollah movement in the face of Israeli acts of "aggression."

Iran has played a positive role in settling regional crises, he said. Enditem