Hariri visits Iran seeking help to halt tension

Beirut: Lebanon's Prime Minister Sa'ad Hariri visits Iran today, seeking its help to prevent political tensions turning violent if a UN-backed tribunal indicts Hezbollah members for killing his father.

Western diplomats have said that the tribunal could indict members of Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran and Syria, by early next year for the 2005 bombing which killed former premier Rafik Hariri and 21 others.

Lebanese politicians fear the indictments could prompt confrontation and possible violence between the Shi'ite Hezbollah, which has denied any involvement in Hariri's killing, and allies of the Sunni prime minister. Lebanese officials hope a recent initiative by the leaders of Saudi Arabia and Syria, who back rival camps in Lebanon, will help prevent any escalation. Iran's endorsement of the Saudi-Syrian efforts is vital for their success.

"Hariri's visit ... is a piece in the regional movement towards [accomplishing] the deal," Lebanese analyst Oussam Safa said, adding it will give Hariri direct access to Iran without having to go through Tehran's allies — Hezbollah or Syria.

"It will help Hariri to get Iran's support in calming Hezbollah's reaction if the indictment is issued," he said.

Hariri's visit follows a trip to Lebanon last month by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who stressed support for all Lebanese but also made a high profile tour of Hezbollah strongholds which highlighted the influence of Tehran's ally.

Tensions over the invest-igation have already paralysed Hariri's unity government, which includes Hezbollah ministers.

Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has urged all Lebanese to boycott the tribunal and vowed to block the arrest of any of his members. He has also called on Hariri to repudiate the tribunal, which he described as an "Israeli project".