Iran Hopes for Saudi Help in Settling Lebanese Crisis

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki expressed hope that Saudi Arabia would use its influence in the region to help end the protracted Lebanon crisis.

Mottaki’s remarks came late Sunday at the end of a two-day official visit to Damascus.

Mottaki welcomed Syria’s take over of the rotating presidency of the Arab League, saying Damascus’ “successful diplomacy raises hope for effective handling of the League’s affairs” this year, IRNA said.

“I think key issues of the Arab world, particularly Palestine and the Zionist Regime’s crimes, Iraq problem and the need for restoration of stability and security there, will be addressed in that period” Mottaki told reporters.

Mottaki said Iran “the only non-Arab state having the highest number of Arab neighbors, maintains good relations with the Arabs.”

He hailed Iranian-Saudi ties, and stressed that Iran is seeking to strengthen relations among all Arab nations “particularly between Syria and Saudi Arabia.”