UNITED NATIONS - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Thursday his country does not meddle in Lebanon's internal affairs, as he dodged a question on whether he was prepared to urge the Lebanese Shiite Hezbollah militia to disarm.
"We don't interfere in its (Lebanon's) affairs. We don't want to because we believe that people in Lebanon -- various groups in Lebanon -- are strong enough to discuss problems among themselves and resolve among themselves," he told a press conference at the United Nations.
Asked whether he was prepared to urge Hezbollah to disarm, as demanded by a UN Security Council resolution following the recent month-long war between Israel and the militant Shiite group, the hardline leader said Iran gave "spiritual support to all those who want to uphold their rights."
"All countries have the right to defend their rights," said Ahmadinejad, whose country is the main backer of Hezbollah.
09/21/2006 16:22 GMT