Saudi: Iran's support for Hizbullah 'coup' will affect foreign relations

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Iran's support for Hizbullah's "coup" in Lebanon will affect Iran's relations with Arab and Islamic countries, Saudi Arabia's foreign minister said Tuesday. Prince Saud al-Faisal has called on all Middle Eastern countries to respect Lebanon's independence and refrain from stoking sectarian tensions in the country. Iran and Syria back Hizbullah, which is considered a terrorist organization by the United States, but have denied meddling in Lebanon's internal affairs. Tuesday's press conference by the Saudi foreign minister comes as the Lebanese army has said its soldiers will use force if needed to impose order after almost a week of clashes between the Western-backed government and Hizbullah-led opposition.