BEIRUT: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad arrived in Beirut Wednesday morning to start his controversial two-day visit, described by the United States as “provocative.” The President and his entourage touched down in two passenger jets at just after 08:30 local time and were greeted by Hizbullah delegates and thousands of adoring fans, who lined the streets of Beirut's southern suburbs to catch a glimpse of the Iranian leader. Security was tight, with members of Ahmadinejad's fearsome Presidential Guards flanking him and his advisers, mini sub-machineguns at the ready. Army snipers could be seen perched on the top of buildings surrounding the airport as military helicopters circled overhead. Ahmadinejad's 16-car motorcade headed immediately for Lebanon's Baabda Palace, where he is expected to sign several bilateral trade agreements with his counterpart, President Michel Sleiman. Later Wednesday, Ahmadinejad will address a crowd of some 40,000 supporters in Hizbullah's south Beirut stronghold in an event due to feature a speech from party Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. Iran is Hizbullah's principal backer and the pair are set to hold discussions on Wednesday, although it is not yet clear whether Nasrallah will appear in person or via video link as has been his way since going into hiding following Hizbullah's July 2006 War with Israel. Thursday features the highlight of the state visit, with Ahmadinejad traveling to see towns and villages damaged in previous Israeli bombardments in south Lebanon. Although he will deliver a speech to supporters, Iranian embassy officials say it is unlikely he will be allowed to approach the Blue Line – the de facto border with Israel – and throw a stone into occupied territory. Several Lebanese political parties, as well as international officials, have warned that Ahmadinejad's visit could have a destabilizing effect on a country teetering on the brink of civil strife following fierce argument over the United Nations probe into the murder of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. The trip will doubtless provide a boost for Hizbullah, which has recently issued increasingly bellicose rhetoric, warning Lebanon of the consequences of its members being indicted by the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL). Brahim, a taxi driver from west Beirut, said he was concerned about Ahmadinejad's presence in Lebanon. “I hope it all goes as planned but I really don't know,” he told Bikya Masr. “Iran won't let us do what we want and they want to prevent Lebanon's actions. I have four children and today I haven't brought them to school because I am afraid something bad will happen.” Jallal, 25, had taken the day off work to see Ahmadinejad and, along with many in south Beirut, thought the visit would positively impact Lebanon. “We wanted to see the President. All Lebanese love Ahmadinejad because he is a good and righteous man. He doesn't want war here, only to help Lebanon,” he said. “This visit will only bring good things, he has not come for money, only because he has good intentions,” he said. “Lebanon is not stable but this will help.” 16-year-old student Zeinab agreed. “We came to see him because he is a strong man and he will help Lebanon. Things will start to get better from now on,” she said. BM
