Lebanese analyst: AU's economic meeting in Beirut useless

Tehran, Jan 19, IRNA – A Lebanese analyst and journalist described the upcoming Arab Union (AU) economic meeting to be held in Beirut as 'useless and worthless'. In an interview with Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Ghassan Al-Shami said the AU is a 'weak institution' which has had no considerable achievements regarding the crises in Palestine, Iraq, Yemen and Syria so far. The meeting in slated to be held in Beirut on Sunday (Jan 20). It is an unwise to expect the meeting to bring about positive achievements, he added. Al-Shami believed the meeting will have no economic benefits for Lebanon because the past experiences have proven that the economic aids will not come from any sides unless there is a political interest. He further commented that the low level of attendance of Arab officials on the meeting is a practical 'insult' to Lebanon. Commenting on the US endeavors to sabotage the meeting by exerting pressure on Arab courtiers, he added the American officials have clearly announced that they will not allow Arab states to participate in Syria's reconstruction process unless they are stay with America's plans. The Lebanese journalist further regretted that Americans seemingly seek to make the meeting a failure, adding that Lebanon should be fully vigilant towards the Arab world developments to make firm decisions. Follow us on Twitter @IrnaEnglish