Lebanese Environment Minister Muhammad Machnouk met with Iran’s Energy Minister Hamid Chitchian here, with the latter saying that Tehran’s private construction companies are at the disposal of the Lebanese government if it agrees to the construction of an Iran-sponsored dam.
In 2012, Iran granted Lebanon a $40 million cash donation to finance the construction of the Balaa dam in Batroun. The Iranian assistance drew heavy criticism for Lebanese political leaders.
MP Boutros Harb said the Iranian access to Batroun was for political purposes and would serve as a prelude to allowing the armed entry of Iran and its allies to the region.
The Iranian energy minister confirmed Sunday that Tehran did not end up funding the building of the Balaa dam, which is currently under construction.
Chitchian said his meeting with Machnouk also touched on the pollution of water resources, the issue of droughts and other strategic concerns relating to water resources.
Machnouk is on an official visit to Tehran where he participated Saturday in the country’s 14th environmental conference.
After the conference, Machnouk praised the advancement of the environmental sector in Iran.