Iranian VP visits Lebanon as aid package takes shape

[spindrifter]

The Daily Star Lebanon

Compiled by Daily Star staff
Wednesday, August 30, 2006


BEIRUT: An Iranian vice president arrived in Beirut on Tuesday for talks with Lebanese officials over ways Iran could help rebuild Lebanon after more than a month of Israeli bombardment.

Ali Saidlou crossed into Lebanon from neighboring Syria, leading a large Iranian delegation that also included Housing Minister Mohammad Saidi Kia, Transportation Minister Mohammad Rahmaty and the deputy energy and water minister, among others.

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Iran, considered a primary source of funding and weapons for Hizbullah, is widely believed to have opened its treasury for Lebanon's reconstruction, which for the most part is being spearheaded by the resistance group.

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"In the first stage we assessed the areas where our contribution may be needed and realized that it would be through helping to reconstruct the transportation network," the vice president said.

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http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=75125

[angstlessk]

1. I read that quickly and thought it said Israel VP...oops...but I think

that could be great for Israel..if they contributed money for the rebuilding as sort of a mea culpa without actually saying anyting.

[applegrove]

2. Great. Now step up to Palestine and build a bridge or two there.