Western Gov'ts Afraid Of Iran-Arab Nations Enhanced Ties

Beirut, May 6, IRNA – Western governments are afraid of enhanced relations between Iran and the friendly Arab governments, Lebanese University teacher Talal Atrissi said on Saturday. He told IRNA that the enemies have attempted to overshadow the achievements of the visit paid by Iranian First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Rahimi to Beirut, whereas, it served as a backup for the friendly relations between Iran and Lebanon. Atrissi said that Rahimi's visit to Lebanon was very effective in the region highlighting Iran’s strong presence in the Middle East and indicating that certain western governments are sabotaging Iran's relations with her neighboring Arab states. He said that Rahimi’s visit to Lebanon aimed to speed up implementation of the agreements already signed by the two countries and finalizing new letters of understanding. The lecturer of Lebanon National University said that Iran is a developed state in the region with high capacity in industry, agriculture, science and technology which would benefit Lebanon. He regretted that Lebanon has failed to make progress due to pressure of certain western and Arab governments while Iran has made eye-catching progress in refurbishing infrastructure and industry. Elsewhere in the interview, Atrissi said that US Assistant Secretary of State Jeffrey Fetlman visited Lebanon condurrently with Rahim’s visit to discourage the Lebanese officials from signing new agreements with Iran./end