Lebanese Middle East Airlines (MEA) planes are pictured on the tarmac of Beirut's international airport, Lebanon February 16, 2020. (Credit: Mohamed Azakir/Reuters)
Lebanon announced on Monday the indefinite extension of the suspension of flights to and from Iran, after refusing to grant landing permits to two Mahan Air flights, due to Israeli threats to bomb Beirut airport.
Presidential spokesperson Najat Sharafeddine told reporters that "the Minister of Public Works and Transport was instructed to extend the suspension of flights to and from Iran," after Beirut airport authorities suspended them until Feb. 18.
The announcement came after a government meeting chaired by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, which focused on the case and the recent security incidents that followed, including tensions and protests on the airport road. The meeting brought together Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, as well as Defense Minister Michel Menassa, Foreign Minister Joe Rajji, Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar, Public Works and Transport Minister Fayez Rassamni, in addition to the commander of the airport security service, General Fady Kfoury.
Prevent interference
Earlier in the day, Iran said that "discussions are continuing" with Lebanon regarding the suspension of Tehran-Beirut flights while hoping to reach a "reasonable solution that would serve the interests of both peoples." However, the Lebanese and Iranian foreign ministers, Rajji and Abbas Araghchi, had not spoken since Saturday.
In a statement published by Iran's state-run IRNA, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghei said that "constructive discussions" took place over the weekend between the Iranian foreign minister and his Lebanese counterpart during a telephone conversation.
The spokesperson said that during this exchange, the two parties stressed "the need to take the most appropriate decision" while ensuring "to prevent any interference from external actors who would not wish the good of the two countries or that of the region." A statement that directly targets Israel, while the Lebanese authorities had banned the landing of an Iranian plane on Thursday, based on information according to which Israel threatened to strike Beirut airport in the event of the arrival of the aircraft.
L'Orient-Le Jour learned that Rajji did speak with his Iranian counterpart last Saturday to repatriate the Lebanese stranded in Tehran. But the Iranian minister has not resumed contact with Rajji, as agreed between the two men during their telephone call on Saturday. Enough to give the impression that the solution could be delayed, while waiting for the Lebanese ambassador to Tehran, Hassan Abbas, to complete his contacts to resolve the situation.
According to the press release issued by the Presidency at the end of the meeting, “The President and the Prime Minister praised the work of the military and security forces, who maintained order around the airport and guaranteed the accessibility of the road leading to it.”
“Strict directives have been given to the military and security forces not to tolerate or allow the closure of the airport road and to preserve public property,” it added. The Presidency also stated that “measures and procedures relating to aircraft inspections will be respected and the airport security service will be responsible for ensuring that the necessary instructions are complied with.”
Lastly, “the Minister of Foreign Affairs was instructed to pursue diplomatic contacts to resolve the issue of flights between Tehran and Beirut and guarantee the return of Lebanese travelers still in Iran.”
“The Minister of Public Works and Transport has been instructed to extend the suspension of flights to and from Iran,” the press release stated.
