Iran reiterates all-out support for Palestinian Hamas

Source: Xinhua | 02-04-2009 07:50

by Mehdi Bagheri

TEHRAN, Feb. 03 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Palestinian Hamas movement's political bureau chief Khalid Mashaal has been warmly greeted by Iranian officials who have frequently expressed their all-out support for the Palestinians and its "legal representative" Hamas.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (R) speaks with Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal with the aid of a translator (C) during a meeting in Tehran, February 1, 2009.  (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

While inviting Mashaal to participate in a Majlis (parliament) assembly on Tuesday, Iran's Speaker Ali Larijani voiced the support of the country's officials and lawmakers for the Palestinians, promising Mashaal that "(his) Majlis is earnestly keeping an eye on Palestine's issues."

On Monday, a rally was held in the Tehran University to welcome Mashaal, who addressed the rally with a call for the continuation of Iran's defense for Palestinians.

"We call on you to continue with the steps to support the people of Gaza, because the battle is not over," Meshaal said, adding "we still have a battle, the battle of lifting the siege of Gaza, the opening of the border crossings."

The participants hailed Mashaal's speech with cheering slogans and placards showing the support of the resistances in Gaza and the condemnation against "crimes of the Zionist regime."

While meeting with Mashaal, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad also outlined his administration's willingness to meet the urgent needs of Palestinians for the quick reconstruction of Gaza.

He also urged for helping the Palestinian people and reopening of the crossroads leading to the Gaza Strip, while putting "the Zionist regime" under political pressure in order to prevent continued Israeli aggression on Gaza.