DUSHANBE, Tajikistan (AP) - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called for a cease-fire in Lebanon and criticized U.S. policy in the Middle East on Wednesday, saying Washington wants to "recarve the map" of the region with Israel's help. Ahmadinejad's nation is a major backer of Hezbollah and a sworn enemy of Israel, but he denied that Tehran provides military support to the militant group.
In addition to a cease-fire, Ahmadinejad called for talks on the Lebanon crisis without conditions and demanded Israel compensate the country and apologize for its actions.
He said Iran only supports Hezbollah politically and morally.
Ahmadinejad is in Tajikistan for talks with President Emomali Rakhmonov. They signed a joint statement Tuesday declaring "that the use of force against Palestine and Lebanon is unacceptable." At that time, they also called for a cease-fire and urged international organizations to seek the swiftest possible settlement of the conflict.
