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🇱🇧 Lebanon /Elections & Politics

Lebanese Authorities Extend Iranian Ambassador's Residency as a Regular Citizen

From Naharnet · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Lebanese authorities have granted former Iranian ambassador Mohammad Reza Sheibani a six-month residency permit as a regular citizen, despite him being declared persona non grata.
  • Sheibani defied the Lebanese Foreign Ministry's demand for his departure within 72 hours, with support from Hezbollah and the Amal Movement.
  • The General Security chief reportedly proposed the residency, while the Lebanese Foreign Ministry stated it had not been notified and maintained its position that Iran must comply with the expulsion order.

Lebanese authorities have issued a six-month legal residency permit to former Iranian ambassador Mohammad Reza Sheibani, classifying him as an "Iranian citizen, not a diplomat." This decision comes months after the Lebanese Foreign Ministry declared Sheibani persona non grata and demanded he leave the country within 72 hours, a directive he ignored with backing from Hezbollah and the Amal Movement.

A security source revealed to Asharq al-Awsat that General Security chief Hassan Shqeir proposed the residency, utilizing his legal authority. The source indicated that Shqeir informed the relevant political figures, including the president, prime minister, and interior minister, before finalizing the permit.

has not been notified and has no knowledge of him being granted residency

— Lebanese Foreign Ministry sourcesSources from the Lebanese Foreign Ministry commented on the reported residency grant for the former Iranian ambassador.

However, sources within the Lebanese Foreign Ministry expressed surprise, stating they had not been notified of the residency grant. They reiterated Minister Youssef Raji's firm stance: "the matter is not open to compromise, and Iran must implement the decision." This creates a clear division between the security apparatus and the Foreign Ministry regarding the ambassador's status.

the matter is not open to compromise, and Iran must implement the decision.

— Lebanese Foreign MinistryThe Lebanese Foreign Ministry reiterated its position on the expulsion of the former Iranian ambassador.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Naharnet in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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