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| Syria-Lebanon-Iran |
| Iran, Lebanon discuss expansion of ties |
| 2004-10-26 |
| Iran's Presidential Advisor Mohammad Sadr on Tuesday in separate meetings with Lebanon's National Assembly President Nabih Berri and the Premier-designate Omar Karami discussed expansion of mutual ties. Berri has for more than 20 years been one of the strongest leader of the Shi'is in Lebanon. But still he is no more than a puppet for the rulers of Damascus — his popularity with the Shi'i groups has dwindled over the years, and he needs foreign support to remain in his position. In the meeting with Berri, parliamentary ties and various dimensions of Iran-Lebanon cooperation were discussed and special focus was placed on further bolstering of relations. Berri pointed to the foreign pressures on Lebanon and Syria and termed ratification of the UN Security Council's Resolution 1559 as a risky measure and an obvious example of interference in the domestic affairs of his country. He underlined that maintaining domestic unity is the most appropriate way for tackling foreign pressures and the difficulties facing Lebanon. Meanwhile, Sadr referred to the current sensitive condition in Lebanon and the pressures facing it and said that its progressive approach towards the current Middle East developments mainly account for the present situation. The presidential advisor also called for the solidarity and awareness of all movements and ethnic groups. In another meeting, Lebanon's new Prime Minister and Sadr exchanged views on bolstering bilateral relations in political and economic fields and reiterated the need for solidarity and alertness of all factions and ethnic groups as well as regional and international developments. Turning to the current condition of Lebanon, Sadr underlined Iran's political and economic support for Lebanese government and people. He also announced the country's readiness to strengthen bilateral ties in economic domains, in particular giving momentum to the joint economic commission, and implementing mutual agreements. |
| Posted by:Mark Espinola |