Source: Irna, 11-6-2009

"Iran congratulates the Lebanese on the 2009 parliamentary elections and is pleased with the way the elections were held, despite all the attempts at provocation, political pressure, violation of Lebanon's independence and the large military drills that "Israel" performed," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Hassan Qashqawi told the Irna agency on Wednesday in the first official Iranian response to the Lebanese elections.

Qashqawi lauded the Lebanese for preventing the outbreak of strife and division during the elections and for enhancing national unity.

He voiced hope that the Lebanese political parties will cooperate and effectively participate in forming a cabinet, and that trust will be strengthened between citizens and politicians.