According to a news report by Russia’s RIA, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has made it amply clear that until Syria is “liberated” and its “territorial integrity is restored,” Iranian and Hezbollah forces will remain in Syria.
Iran-backed forces, including Hezbollah, have played a significant role alongside Russia, in supporting Syrian President Bashar Assad’s effort to regain parts of the country that have been taken over by rebels.
The United States and Israel have demanded that Iran withdraw its forces, including Hezbollah, from Syria.
Although Assad has managed to recover large swaths of the country that was under rebel control, many parts still remain to be recovered.
With the difference of opinions between Russia and Iran coming to the forefront of late, Israel is pushing Russia to ensure that Iranian-backed forces do not entrench themselves in Syria.
Recently, Israel carried out military strikes in Syria against, what it claimed were Iranian and Hezbollah targets.
A recipient of US military aid, Lebanon follows a policy of disassociation from foreign conflicts.
