The sources said Ahmadinejad would spend much of his visit in talks with
the Iranian-sponsored Hizbullah as well as the government of Prime
Minister Saad Hariri. They said Ahmadinejad would offer defense and energy
assistance to Lebanon, including the sale of weapons and military
equipment as well as a nuclear reactor.
"Ahmadinejad's visit will also represent an opportunity in an official
framework to increase cooperation in a number of areas of mutual benefit to
both Lebanon and Iran," Lebanese parliamentarian Ayoub Humayed said. "This
is in addition to the fundamental issue, which is supporting the Lebanese
military. It only remains for Lebanon to find out what it requires."
Hizbullah has been preparing for Ahmadinejad's visit, particularly in
southern Lebanon. The sources said Hizbullah has been organizing parades and
hanging banners throughout villages near the Israeli border, particularly in
Qana and Bint Jbeil, where Ahmadinejad was expected to visit.
Iran has not disclosed Ahmadinejad's intinerary. But the sources said
Lebanese government ministers and commanders have already been told to be
available to accompany Ahmadinejad.
"Ahmadinejad wants to be seen as the leader of the Islamic and Arab
world, particularly in the holy war against Israel," the Lebanese source
said. "He sees this as a golden opportunity to show the entire world that he
doesn't fear Israel or its ally, the United States."
Pro-Western parliamentarians have expressed concern that Ahmadinejad's
visit, which on Oct. 11 was extended from two to three days, could signal an
impending Hizbullah war with Israel. They did not rule out that Hizbullah
would use Ahmadinejad's visit to further erode the authority of the Hariri
government.
"Hizbullah wants to maintain quiet until Ahmadinejad's visit to Beirut,
and then resume the war against us," Antoine Andreius, the deputy chairman
of the ruling Future Movement, said.