Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:43:03 GMT

Hezbollah has lauded leader of Lebanon's Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) Michel Aoun for supporting the Resistance in the war against Israel.

Nawaf al-Mousavi, Hezbollah's official for external affairs, hailed the former prime minister for "displaying a distinct image of Christians," and proving the Arab world his role as a leader and a supporter of resistance.

Aoun stood beside his fellow countrymen against the enemy's violent offensive despite efforts by those who wished to brand Lebanon's Christians as pro-Western, Mousavi recalled.

The Hezbollah official further said he was surprised by the criticisms leveled at Aoun over his Tehran visit.

How come traveling to the US, which arms Israel with weapons of mass destruction, could be viewed in line with Lebanon's interests but visiting a nation that stands by the Lebanese is seen otherwise, Mousavi questioned.

The Lebanese parliament member arrived in Tehran on Sunday and met with Iran's senior politician including President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki to discuss issues of mutual interests and regional developments.

Michel Aoun is a former Lebanese commander whose Free Patriotic Movement, officially declared a political party in September 2005, enjoys the support of more than 70 percent of the Christian population in Lebanon, as well as a considerable backing from the country's Muslim community.

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