Iran is pressuring two rival Lebanese Shiite groups to become friends, according to a report by Middle East Newsline (MENL).
Diplomatic sources in Beirut were quoted by the news service as saying that the Islamic republic had summoned representatives from both Amal and Hizbollah, and told them to shelve their differences and cooperate in southern Lebanon.
The two movements have been engaged in a power struggle over the last few months in the wake of Israel's withdrawal from the area. Iran has historically enjoyed close ties with Hizbollah, providing it with arms and diplomatic support.
In an effort to encourage reconciliation, said MENL, Iran had allowed Amal to reopen its office in the Tehran. The office was closed earlier this year at the height of the group's tensions with Hizbollah, the key Shiite group in Lebanon, which spearheaded resistance to the Israeli occupation of the south.
The sources said Iran wanted Amal and Hizbollah to cooperate in local elections in southern Lebanon scheduled for September 9, the first since 1963.
Amal earlier suggested a joint ticket to run in 68 municipal elections, a proposal Hizbollah said it would examine.
The official Iranian news agency, IRNA, also said Sunday that Amal would officially open its representative office in Tehran on July 25.
A Lebanese delegation consisting of the heads of the movement arrived in Tehran on Sunday for the inauguration – Albawaba.com
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