Lebanon does not want any interference in internal affairs, visiting Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora told reporters in Moscow on Friday.

 

Lebanon wants to have perfect relations with Iran, but "we do not want anybody to use Lebanon as an arena for fighting other states. Lebanon is our homeland, it is not an arena for murders," Siniora was quoted by the Itar-Tass news agency as saying.

 

"We hear statements from time to time, which show the wish to interfere in our internal affairs. Certain politicians are recalling the times before the Syrian pullout from Lebanon. I would like to stress once again that Lebanon is an independent country," he said.

 

As for the relations with Syria, Siniora said, "Beirut wants open and fair relations, which are targeted for mutual respect and friendship between Syrian and Lebanese peoples."

 

Lebanon has not hostile relations with anyone but Israel, Siniora said. "Lebanon is not a member of any conflicting blocs or groups. We are ready to make friends with anyone ready to befriend Lebanon. We want to start negotiations with our brothers in Iran and Syria," he said.

 

"At the same time, the Lebanese administration is determined to ensure national interests," he said.

 

The problem of Hezbollah disarmament is an internal affair of Lebanon, which is being resolved through dialog, Siniora said.

 

"We have always confirmed our loyalty to international resolutions, and have been fulfilling them for years," he said. "However, I think that the problem of Hezbollah disarmament is an internal affair, which is being resolved through internal dialog."

 

A part of Lebanese territory was occupied, Siniora said. He called on Israel "to leave the Lebanese territory and abide by all clauses of UN Security Council resolution 1701."

 

"We seek the rapprochement of Lebanese forces and won't take steps that may build up internal tensions," Siniora said.

 

(Xinhua News Agency December 16, 2006)