Abboud: US, West Pressure Lebanon for Economic Relations with Iran

Local Editor

The Lebanese Minister of Tourism Fadi Abboud revealed Friday that the Lebanese banking and economic sectors are suffering from US and European pressures due to the bilateral cooperation between Lebanon and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
In an interview with "al-Intiqad" website, Abboud clarified that "as the boycott of Iran is not limited to Americans, but it extends to wide Western boycott, Lebanon faces some problems."
"The Iranian offers for both electricity production plants and dam projects are more than good and provide very good prices," he mentioned.
The minister further pointed out that "through various projects proposed to Lebanese ministries, Iran proved that the techniques and the quality of offers are very good."
"However, the problem lies in the western boycott to Iran," Abboud added and recalled the Iranian ambassador in Beirut Ghadanfar Rokn Abadi's remarks that "some obstacles must be removed before applying conventions."
In parallel, Abboud confirmed that "Lebanon is currently under the West's "microscope"."
"We are trying with all our strength to keep Lebanon away from any reaction that may cause a boycott for the Lebanese banking system," the cabinet member stated.

Meanwhile, he called for activating the bilateral cooperation between Lebanon and Iran at the level of private sectors and businessmen, because the private sector is characterized by the speed in implementation and flexibility.

Source: al-Intiqad, Translated and Edited by moqawama.org