Naharnet

Rouhani Accuses Riyadh of Providing Arms to 'Terrorists' in Lebanon

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani accused Saudi Arabia on Saturday of providing weapons and funding to terrorist groups in the Middle East, including Lebanon.

"What does providing financial assistance and weapons to terrorists in Syria, Lebanon and Iraq mean?" Rouhani asked.

Iran is supporting Syrian President Bashar Assad, Hizbullah and the Iraqi government in its fight against Sunni extremists, including the Islamic State group and al-Nusra Front.

Tehran says Saudi Arabia and several other Middle East governments support the IS.

Addressing an army parade in Tehran, in a speech broadcast live on state TV Rouhani also warned that the Saudi royal family in Riyadh will harvest the hatred it is sowing in Yemen through its airstrike campaign.

Since March 26, the Saudi-led coalition has been attacking Shiite rebels known as Huthis and allied fighters loyal to Yemen's ousted President Ali Abdullah Saleh. Iran supports the rebels but denies providing any military support.

Rouhani said killing civilians in Yemen will bring neither power nor pride for Saudi Arabia.

Source: Associated Press, Naharnet


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