Berri Hails Tehran's Role in Lebanon, Says Not Satisfied by Level of Ties

Speaker Nabih Berri hailed the role that Tehran is playing in Lebanon, saying that thanks to Iran's presence there is no longer unilateralism in the world.

"Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Islamic republic of Iran is playing that unique role," Berri told IRNA news agency. "That's why its influence is not only felt in Lebanon but thanks to Iran's presence there's no longer unilateralism."

The speaker said he was not satisfied with Lebanese-Iranian ties except for the progress made during Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's visit to Beirut and Premier Saad Hariri's trip to Iran.

During those two visits, 25 cooperation agreements were singed between the two countries.

Bilateral relations are "less than normal," Berri told IRNA.

Turning to Israeli threats, the speaker said the Lebanese were not intimidated by continued warnings by the Jewish state.