(MENAFN) A Gulf diplomat said that Gulf States that will take part in the Rome conference for supporting the Lebanese Army in mid-March will offer assistance to the Lebanese military institution and security forces.

"The countries who call for the army to preserve Lebanon's sovereignty in an effective way cannot ask it to do so without supporting it," the diplomat said in remarks to al-Hayat newspaper published Sunday.

"There is a realistic approach from the Gulf countries regarding the principle of strengthening the Lebanese state and preserving Lebanon's stability," the source noted.

"Lebanon must not be asked to exceed its capacity and capabilities amid the complicated situations in the region and amid the huge decline in the chances for a political solution in Syria," the official added.

And pointing out that "the policy of the Gulf states towards the actions of Iran and Hezbollah is no longer based on reactions, but rather on a strategy to confront Iranian expansion in the region," the source said he expects a "political and security stability period in Lebanon after the May elections."

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