Peace groups have asked Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan to explain why his department declined to issue a visa to a Lebanese journalist who was due to speak at several conferences over the weekend.
Ibrahim Mousawi, former chief editor of foreign news at Hizbullah's al-Manar television station in Beirut, had been invited to speak at conferences organised by the Irish Anti-War Movement in Dublin and the Galway Alliance Against War (GAAW).
However, the Department of Justice turned down his application for a visa.
Mr Mousawi participated in the Galway conference yesterday by audio link. His address was on the subject of truth being the first casualty of war.
Niall Farrell, of the GAAW, said that he was mystified by the department's decision, as Mr Mousawi had spoken in Ireland before. He said that Mr Mousawi had briefed foreign affairs officials here on the situation in Lebanon.
Labour Party president Michael D. Higgins had also contacted the Minister on the issue, on the basis that representatives of Hizbullah and Hamas should be allowed to speak at conferences here.
"Those objecting to Mr Mousawi's visit do so on the basis that he has worked for Hizbullah television, which the US government considers to be a terrorist entity," Mr Farrell said. "However, similar objections were not raised last November when Mr Mousawi spoke with British MP George Galloway in Galway."
A Government press office spokesman said yesterday that the matter was one for the Department of Justice. It is understood that the decision to refuse the request was taken on "national security grounds" on the basis of advice received from the Garda.
