BINT JBEIL, South Lebanon: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad wrapped up a two-day visit to Lebanon Thursday night with a speech to tens of thousands of supporters in the southern town of Bint Jbeil – four kilometers from Israel – after telling supporters the Jewish state was doomed. The controversial trip had provoked consternation among Western governments and was seen by many as a demonstration of Iran's increasing regional clout, as well as Hizbullah's burgeoning control over Lebanese affairs. Thousands crammed into Bint Jbeil's stadium for Ahmadinejad's keynote address, waving Iranian and Hizbullah flags and chanting “Khosh Ameded,” (“Welcome” in the President's native Farsi). He praised Lebanon's resistance to Israeli aggression and vowed his country would back Hizbullah in the event of renewed conflict. “Bint Jbeil is alive and today stands proud and cherished against all enemies whereas the Zionists are mortal after the sons of Bint Jbeil made the enemies taste defeat,” Ahmadinejad told the crowd. Up to 90 percent of the town was razed by Israeli bombardment during its 2006 war with Hizbullah. Extensive reconstruction has been largely funded by Iran and supporters gathered to show their appreciation. “There is no option before the Zionists but to surrender facts on the ground or return to their original countries,” Ahmadinejad said. “Palestine will be liberated by force and the belief of the resistance.” The speech capped two days of meetings and addresses with high-profile Lebanese figures, including President Michel Sleiman, Prime Minister Saad Hariri, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Hizbullah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. Ahmadinejad gave a speech to thousands of Hizbullah partisans on Wednesday night in the party's south Beirut stronghold and received a hero's welcome. Security throughout the state-sanctioned visit was extremely tight, with roadblocks, military escorts and mobile-phone blocking technology in place wherever Ahmadinejad traveled. His trip south was made by helicopter in order to avoid the crushing traffic created by hundreds of crammed school buses making their way to Bint Jbeil. Following his appearance there, Ahmadinejad paid a visit to Qana, the sight of two separate acts of Israeli atrocity, the most serious occurring in 1996 when 116 Lebanese civilians were killed in airstrikes while sheltering in a supposedly safe United Nations compound. The President also reiterated his country's right to develop nuclear energy, a position echoed by his counterpart Sleiman. The visit proved fiercely controversial, with the United States and Israel labeling the trip a provocative act. One Israeli MP even called for the assassination of Ahmadinejad by Israeli military. Domestically, more than 250 signatories, including former cabinet ministers, submitted a letter urging Iran's leader to call off the visit and cease what they said was meddling in Lebanese affairs. Beirut returned to normal Friday after 48 hours of traffic chaos, with several motorists expressing their relief of Ahmadinejad's departure as it meant roadblocks would ease. It is not yet known how much the visit cost, but much of the bill has been footed by Iran, which is reportedly considering a $450 million donation to facilitate the upgrading of derisory southern water and electricity facilities. In spite of dissenting voices, those who turned out to catch a glimpse of the president were unanimously positive about his presence in Lebanon. “Nejad will come because we are both Lebanese and Iranian; these two make a combination for the resistance,” said Hussein, a 50 year-old shop owner at the Bint Jbeil rally. “He is here to support Lebanon and we believe this is a big boost to our people. We are very proud that he is coming to visit us. “They can say what they want,” he added. “But Ahmadinejad has come to Lebanon and he and us are one. If America doesn't like it, that's though for them. Iran and Lebanon are staying together.” BM
