Report: Iran Seeks to Increase Influence in Lebanon as Syria Asks for Gains
Arab diplomatic sources told al-Liwaa newspaper that the formation of the Lebanese cabinet goes behind the distribution of portfolios or negotiations among officials.
The sources said regional countries and direct contacts with Washington are influencing the formation of the new government. Tehran, according to the sources, is playing the "trade-off game" through its allies in the opposition, including Hizbullah and MP Michel Aoun.
The sources said Iran wants to reach an understanding with the West over its role in the region, all the way from Iraq, to Lebanon, to the Palestinian issue. Furthermore, Tehran wants regional and Arab support in its negotiations with the major powers on its nuclear program.
Meanwhile, al-Liwaa said that U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey Feltman has informed Damascus that it would not put the Syrian-Israeli track on the agenda of peace negotiations if it does not provide tangible assistance in Lebanese cabinet formation.
The diplomatic sources didn”t provide further information on the grace period given to Damascus to prove its goodwill intention towards formation of the government as the deadline set for such a move ends on Saturday.
The sources expressed fear that disagreement between the U.S. and Syria would be renewed particularly that Damascus has said PM-designate Saad Hariri should pay the price for the Assad regime”s interference to facilitate the formation of the Lebanese cabinet.