Berlin Urges Riyadh, Tehran 'Not to Weaken Stability in Lebanon'

Germany has called on Saudi Arabia and Iran not to undermine Lebanon's stability following the resignation of Prime Minister Saad Hariri.

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel called his Saudi counterpart Thursday to highlight the need to safeguard Lebanon's stability.

Government spokesman Steffen Seibert told reporters in Berlin on Friday that when discussing Lebanon "it's also necessary to talk about the role of Iran."

Seibert noted that Tehran has influence over Hizbullah and its support for the Lebanese group is viewed by Germany "with great concern."

He said that Germany "of course appeals to both countries, Saudi Arabia and Iran, not to weaken the political stability in Lebanon."