BEIRUT - Hezbollah denounced on Thursday the remarks made by caretaker Lebanese prime minister Saad Hariri against the Islamic Republic of Iran and said they were part of the U.S. plan to create sedition in the region.

According to Al-Manar, a statement released by Hezbollah media relations said that Hariri’s stance against the Islamic Republic of Iran was a translation of the latest stance of American Defense Sectary Robert Gates from Riyadh concerning the Iranian role in the region.
“These stances came as part of an uncovered and blatant attempt to hide the American interference in the region’s affairs as well as a bid to confiscate the people’s will for freedom and their intention to get rid of the American hegemony,” the statement emphasized.
According to the statement, Hariri’s latest remarks were made to divert attention from Israel’s persistence in its hostile policies against the Palestinian nation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank alongside its aim to Judaize Al-Quds.
Iran denounces Hariri’s remarks
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast criticized the remarks made by Hariri against Iran as divisive and unfounded.
“Taking misleading stances in line with the interests of the United States and the Zionists not only is not to the benefit of the Lebanese nation, but also undermines the stability and independence of the region,” Mehmanparast said on Friday.
Saad Hariri on Thursday accused Iran of meddling in Lebanon’s affairs, claiming “Lebanon and a number of Arab countries… are suffering politically, economically and in terms of security from blatant Iranian interference in the Arab world.”
Hariri betting on July war
Hezbollah highlighted that the remarks made by Hariri do not reflect the real position of Lebanon, its role and interests. “However, they are consistent with the goals of the American plan aimed at creating sedition and dividing the region’s people,” it added.
While noting that one of the goals of the plot was to change the direction of the conflict with the Israeli enemy after its defeat in July 2006, Hezbollah pointed out that the WikiLeaks documents have revealed how Hariri was betting on this war to turn Lebanon into an American-Israeli protectorate.