Iran FM in Beirut for talks

Mariam Saleh

Press TV, Beirut

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian held talks Friday in Beirut with top ranking Lebanese officials. The Iranian official said in a joint presser with his Lebanese counterpart that Iran wishes to see problems and difficulties go away in Lebanon, reiterating a previous offer to help resolve Lebanon’s electricity crisis.

Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah BouHabib revealed that foreign pressure exerted against Lebanon as well as internal disputes have been obstacles in the way of acquiring assistance from Iran.

Lebanon and Iran have signed numerous agreements since 1997. Yet, observers say, Lebanon has not implemented many of the accords as a result of Western pressure primarily from the United States.

In 2012, Iran presented an offer to the Lebanese authorities under which Iran would provide fuel for electricity in a period of 6 months initially while the Lebanese government could make down payments in Lebanese lira.

Abdollahian later held separate meetings with Speaker Nabih Berri and caretaker PM Najib Mikati and discussed the latest developments in the region and ways to improve bilateral ties.

Earlier, the Iranian minister also met with Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and discussed the latest developments in Lebanon and Palestine especially the threat posed by the Israeli regime.

IRAN’s foreign minister stressed that the Islamic Republic will remain a friend of Lebanon in hard times. But it seems Lebanon has been forced by foreign powers to refuse an offer of unconditional help during the most difficult juncture in its economic history.

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