Aoun: Iran, most powerful country

Beirut, Oct 21, IRNA
Leader of Lebanese Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) Party Michel Aoun
said on Monday that Iran is the most powerful country in the region.

He told reporters that during his stay in Iran, he observed realities
of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Praising freedom of religions in Iran, he said religious minorities
are fully respected in the country.

He said that he held talks with senior Iranian officials on the latest
regional and international developments as well as bilateral relations.

On the current situation of Iraq, Aoun expressed his concern over
critical situation in that country.

He regretted that several Lebanese groups were critical of his visit
to the Islamic Republic, adding that Iran is a friendly country to the
Lebanese nation.

"Why don't you criticize those who visit the US and Europe?," he asked.

Aoun, heading a delegation, paid a five-day visit to Iran from October 12.

During his stay in Tehran, Aoun met President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad,
Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki and Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani.

Aoun told IRNA prior to his departure to Iran that his visit aimed to
bolster ties among the Middle East states.

End