The Religious Authority, H.E. Sayyed Muhammad Hussein Fadlullah received the British Ambassador in Lebanon, Francis Gay… and discussed with her the general situation in Lebanon and the region…

The discussion touched also on the European stands towards regional issues, especially in Iran, Palestine and Lebanon.

During the meeting, His Eminence stressed the need of a new British approach to the region, especially that the American policies still focus on violence which further complicates things in the region and lead to more violence and anarchy, since the US rejects any strategy that does not conform with its own strategy of absolute support to Israel.

H.E. also emphasized the ability of Britain to run a productive dialogue, that does not fall under American pressures, with the Islamic movements. He pointed out to the recent changes in Britain which although are restricted to style, yet it is necessary for Britain to assert its European personality away from the American pressure. He added that American's relations with Britain, through Tony Blair, was more like a personal relation that one of two countries.

Discussing the role of the UN in containing the escalating crises in the region, Sayyed Fadlullah asserted that the General Assembly and not the Security Council is the one that represents the will of the nations and the International Community. He also pointed out to the need of a change in the way the UN works, to prevent the arrogant states from controlling the destiny of nations.

On the Iraqi issue, His Eminence emphasized that the problem is the American occupation that tied up Britain and constituted a major crime against the Iraqis people.

The Sayyed reiterated his belief that the Iraqi people have the right to resist the occupation and explained that since America had transformed Iraq into a front to settle regional accounts, the others retaliated by pressurizing America in Iraq itself.

His Eminence denounced the bombs that target the civilians in Britain and pointed out that it is important that the British public should understand that Islam has nothing to do with such terrorist acts.

Sayyed Fadlullah explained that he supports any European effort to facilitate the solution in Lebanon, and called on Britain to coordinate with France that has undertaken such an endeavour.