May 14, 2008	Wednesday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 8, 1429

RIYADH, May 13: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal warned on Tuesday that Iran’s relations with the Arab world would be affected if Tehran was supporting what he described as a “coup” in Lebanon.

“Iran’s relations with all Arab countries — if not all Islamic (countries) — would be affected if Iran was supporting the coup that took place in Lebanon,” Prince Faisal told reporters.

His comments came after six days of deadly sectarian fighting pitting Shiite opposition groups led by the Iranian- and Syrian-backed Hezbollah against supporters of the Western-backed government.

“The kingdom calls again upon all regional parties to respect Lebanon’s sovereignty and independence, and to stop meddling in its internal affairs and poking sectarian unrest,” he said.

At least 62 people have been killed in violence across, the worst sectarian fighting since the 1975-1990 civil war.

Saudi Arabia backs the government of Prime Minister Fuad Siniora, whose rule has been challenged by a long-running Hezbollah-led campaign.—AFP