The Belgian Foreign Minister apologizes after granting visas to an Iranian delegation

The Belgian Foreign Minister, Hajjah, presented Habib with an “apology” and expressed “regret” in parliament on Monday evening over the granting of visas to Iranian officials, including the mayor of Tehran, Ali Reza Zakani, which allowed them to participate in a conference in Brussels.

“I am sincerely sorry for the crisis we find ourselves in today… and I ask you to excuse me,” the minister told the House Foreign Relations Committee.
This is the third time since June 15 that the former political novice journalist has been summoned to speak before parliament on this issue plaguing the government led by Prime Minister Alexandre de Croo.

Many MPs considered her early interpretations “incoherent” and riddled with “fallacies”.

Lahbib was accused of endangering Iranian dissidents by allowing Alireza Zakani to participate in the International Conference of Mayors held in Brussels from 12-15 June.

On June 8, the Foreign Ministry issued visas to 14 Iranian officials, according to the minister, who said that Belgian intelligence was consulted “before handing them over” and raised no objections.

However, on June 12, members of the Iranian delegation took advantage of their presence in Brussels to film a demonstration of dissidents in order to transfer the photos to their country’s authorities, according to MP Darya Safaei, who participated in the demonstration.

In her conversation with Safaei, the minister apologized on Monday evening for the “fear” the deputy may have felt during the demonstration.
Hajja Lahbib also pledged to make improvements to the mechanism for issuing such visas for international events.