Iranian ambassador Mohammad Reza Shibani in Damascus, June 14, 2013. (Credit: AFP)
Just hours before the stay of Iran’s designated ambassador to Beirut, Mohammad Reza Shibani, was set to expire at midnight Aug. 24, a solution was found that would allow him to remain in Lebanon despite Foreign Minister Joe Rajji's decision to consider him persona non grata. According to L’Orient-Le Jour's sources, Shibani obtained a “courtesy” residence permit that removes his ambassadorial status and diplomatic immunity. While this compromise avoids escalating internal tensions — at a time when the Amal-Hezbollah alliance refuses to expel the Iranian diplomat — it is a blow both to Rajji's decision and to the prestige of the Lebanese state. Some context Mohammad Reza Shibani, declared persona non grata: A case that can be resolved, Iranian sources say The courtesy residence permit, generally granted to the children of...
Just hours before the stay of Iran’s designated ambassador to Beirut, Mohammad Reza Shibani, was set to expire at midnight Aug. 24, a solution was found that would allow him to remain in Lebanon despite Foreign Minister Joe Rajji's decision to consider him persona non grata. According to L’Orient-Le Jour's sources, Shibani obtained a “courtesy” residence permit that removes his ambassadorial status and diplomatic immunity. While this compromise avoids escalating internal tensions — at a time when the Amal-Hezbollah alliance refuses to expel the Iranian diplomat — it is a blow both to Rajji's decision and to the prestige of the Lebanese state. Some context Mohammad Reza Shibani, declared persona non grata: A case that can be resolved, Iranian sources say The courtesy residence permit, generally granted to the...
