Iran, Lebanon discuss energy agreements

Iranian Energy Minister Majid Namjoo discussed Friday with President Michel Sleiman several bilateral agreements aimed at boosting Lebanon's crippling electricity sector. According to Sleiman's press office, Namjoo informed the president about a number of agreements that will be signed with Lebanon to provide the country with sufficient energy supplies to meet growing demand. The Islamic Republic has said that it has a surplus of 6,000 MW that is sufficient to meet the needs of Lebanon and Syria by exporting electricity through Iraq’s power grid. Iran has insisted that Lebanon implement previously signed agreements between the two countries in the field of oil and energy. During his meeting with Sleiman, Namjoo offered his condolences for the Oct. 19 assassination of Brig. Gen. Wissam al-Hasan, who headed the Internal Security Forces Information Branch. The Iranian official also relayed his country’s appreciation for ongoing efforts to preserve national unity and maintaining stability in the country following the Hasan’s killing. They also discussed the situation in Syria and both agreed on the importance of a political solution to end the 20-month long crisis without foreign military intervention. Namjoo and Sleiman also touched on “Israel’s aggression” against Gaza, launched earlier this week following the assassination of a top Hamas commander.   From The Daily Star