Lebanese Min. Describes Iran As Most Influential Country In Mideast

Beirut, Jan 22, IRNA – Lebanon’s Minister of Public Works and Transportation Ghazi El-Aridi described Iran as the most influential country in the Middle East which plays a major role in determining the developments and future of the region. Addressing a gathering, he said Iran is a great and powerful country which has managed to play a decisive and effective role in challenging big powers thus gaining an important position enabling it to help determine the future of the region. Outlining developments in the region, he noted that despite the fact that Israel was a loser in recent wars, everyone should be aware that the ongoing developments in the region are in the interests of the Zionist regime since the turmoil in the region allows the Zionist regime to continue killing of people and building townships in the occupied lands. He also pointed to the calamities of such Muslim countries as Syria, Afghanistan and Mali. The Lebanese minister further urged regional Arab countries to boost freedom and democracy and said they should not ignore the main purpose of Arab uprisings which was to promote freedom and bringing about reforms. El-Aridi further referred to the Palestinian issue as the most urgent issue for Arab countries which has to be given top priority and said failure to do so will eliminate the chance of enhancing freedom and reforms in the region./end