IMAN delegation: British MPs in Lebanon

Two British Conservative MPs, on Monday and Tuesday this week, met with many politicians, diplomats, and officials in Beirut, as part of an IMAN delegation aimed at promoting international dialogue and strengthening international understanding. MP Andrew Rosindell, who is a member of the UK's Foreign Affairs Committee and MP Daniel Kawczynski, who is the parliamentary chairman of the Conservative Arab Network were on a two day visit to Lebanon.

Sheikh Mohammad Al Hajj Hassan held a banquet in honour of the MPs at his residence in Beirut on Monday evening. He apprised the MPs of IMAN's work in Lebanon and thanked them for visiting his beautiful country so that they could see it's rich diversity of cultures and religions. Sheikh Hassan emphasised the need for internal unity in Lebanon and importance of rejecting outside interference. He also praised the Chairman of IMAN, Ribal Al-Assad for promoting international dialogue, understanding, pluralism and human rights.

Earlier in the day the MPs met with the British Ambassador to Lebanon, Her Excellency Frances Guy, who briefed them about the political situation in Lebanon.

On Tuesday, as part of the IMAN delegation, the MPs met with the Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon, His Excellency Ali Awad Asiri, who emphasised the deep friendship and ties with the UK and the role being played by His Majesty King Abdullah in bringing peace to the Middle East.

Later the delegation met with the Director General of Lebanon's Ministry of Justice, Judge Omar Al Natour, stressing the need to leave the final verdict in the case of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri to the International Tribunal so that justice could prevail.

The delegation also included Retired Lieutenant Colonel Tamer Awada.