Lebanese Speaker Urges Kuwait to Play Positive Role in Iranian-Saudi Ties

“I called on all Gulf countries, in particular, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad to mediate between Iran and Saudi Arabia,” Berri said in comments to the Kuwaiti al-Rai television.
 
The speaker, who kicked off a tour over the weekend beginning with Kuwait and will include the Islamic Republic of Iran, Germany and Albania, considered that the Arab world “needs political support,” warning of the “decisive developments in the region.”
 
Berri stressed that any rapprochement between Iran and the Gulf, in particular Saudi Arabia, would have a positive impact on Lebanon and conflict-hit Syria.
Iran is a key ally of Syrian national government, while Saudi Arabia backs the Takfiri terrorist opposition groups.
 
The speaker, who called on Gulf states to lift a travel ban to Lebanon, told the Kuwaiti television that that protests and road closure happens in any country whether in the Middle East or Europe.
 
“The travel ban doesn't benefit Lebanon nor the Arabs... And Kuwaitis are not committing to their country's decision,” he said.
 
On the bombings that rocked Lebanon lately, Berri said the aim of the blasts is to “incite sedition in Lebanon in an attempt to create chaos in the country.”
 
Asked about the newly formed cabinet, Berri said that it was formed to oversee the upcoming presidential elections in May, which should be carried out within the constitutional deadlines to prevent vacuum in state posts.
 
Current President Michel Sleiman’s tenure ends in May 2014, but the constitutional period to elect a new head of state begins on March 25, two months prior to the expiration of Sleiman’s mandate.