Egypt FM: We want to help Lebanese politicians reconcile

BEIRUT – Egypt’s foreign minister says he is visiting Lebanon to help rival Lebanese political groups find common ground.

Lebanon has been without a president since May 2014 and parliament has been unable to elect a head of state because of deep disagreements.

After meeting with his Lebanese counterpart Tuesday, Sameh Shoukry tells reporters that Egypt doesn’t favour any side. He says that “our role is that of a facilitator.”

Asked about the prospects for reconciliation between Egypt and Turkey, Shoukry says that “it is not up to Egypt to approach this issue, but it is up to those who continue to advocate policies that are detrimental to Egypt.”

Egypt’s 2013 military overthrow of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi was harshly condemned by Turkey. The two countries have had tense relations since.