Arab states must rectify Iran ties: Lebanese speaker

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri says Arab countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, should “rectify” their relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Speaking at the Lebanese Emigrants Economic Conference in Beirut on Thursday, Berri said Arab countries should engage in “confidence building” with Iran, terming such a development a “necessity” for regional countries, including Lebanon, Egypt, Yemen, and Bahrain, and the world of Islam, IRNA reported.

Under its new rulers, Saudi Arabia has adopted an aggressive policy toward Iran and its allies which are helping Iraq and Syria fight a menacing Takfiri militancy.

The kingdom has pressured some of its allies to cut diplomatic relations with Tehran after taking the initiative itself in January. 

The current crisis in diplomatic ties came after Iran condemned Saudi execution of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, a respected Shia cleric and an outspoken government critic, along with 47 people on a single day. 

Elsewhere in his remarks, Berri also denounced sanctions on Lebanese banks and other financial institutions as a form of Israeli aggression.

Speaking at the Lebanese Emigrants Economic Conference in Beirut on Thursday, Berri said Israel is constantly trying to destroy Lebanon’s infrastructure and economy.

Berri was apparently making reference to the US law, which calls for the closure of bank accounts of individuals and organizations suspected of links to Hezbollah.

Hezbollah is credited with defending Lebanon against two wars launched by Israel - the US's staunchest ally in the region - in 2000 and 2006.

Berri said Lebanon, through the assistance of its diaspora, will eventually emerge triumphant over a plot seeking to harm the country's economy.

“We only have hope from the expatriates, and right now we no longer have hope but from you,” he said. 

Berri further lashed out at Arab states for failing to commit to promised funds to Lebanon following Israel's war on the country in the summer of 2006, saying only a third of the aid has been paid.

In February, Riyadh suspended USD 3 billion in military assistance to the Lebanese military and another USD 1 billion to the country’s internal security forces.

The kingdom also imposed sanctions on some Lebanese firms and individuals it accused of having links with Hezbollah. 

Last month, Governor of Bank of Lebanon Riad Salameh stated that 100 bank accounts linked to Hezbollah members and legislators had been closed.

Hezbollah criticized the Central Bank of Lebanon for submitting to US pressures, saying the measures violated Lebanon's sovereignty.

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