January 26, 2007	Friday	Muharram 06, 1428

RIYADH, Jan 25: Saudi National Security Council Secretary-General Prince Bandar bin Sultan has held talks with his Iranian counterpart Ali Larijani in Tehran on "the critical situation in Lebanon", the Iranian state television reported.

The talks held a day after three people were killed in Lebanon in clashes between government and opposition supporters "emphasised the necessity of finding a solution agreed by all Lebanese groups".

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki also spoke by telephone with his Saudi counterpart Saud Al Faisal to look into "ways to find an acceptable solution," the Saudi Press Agency here reported.

The Faris news agency had earlier reported that Prince Bandar bin Sultan seemed to be conveying a message from King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz to the Iranian leadership on the emerging scenario in Lebanon.

Iran and Saudi Arabia have been in constant touch in recent weeks to find ways to resolve the crisis.

Last week, Mr Larijani visited Riyadh, and besides discussing regional issues, reportedly also discussed a plan to bring about reconciliation and stability in Lebanon. Tehran’s proposal was aimed at giving the Hezbollah a bigger role in the Lebanese cabinet, diplomats were quoted as saying in the international media.