U.S. stops Lebanon from taking part in Syria's reconstruction: deputy speaker

BEIRUT, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- The deputy speaker of Lebanon's Parliament said Saturday that the United States is exerting great pressure on Lebanon to stop it from taking part in Syria's reconstruction.

"Lebanon's participation in Syria's reconstruction can solve the country's economic problems, but the United States is exerting pressure to stop it," Elie Ferzli was quoted as saying by Elnashra, an online independent newspaper.

Ferzli said that the U.S. is implementing "Israel's policies" in in Lebanon and the region.

Meanwhile, Lebanon's embassy in Washington told the Lebanese government that the U.S. threatened to impose sanctions on Lebanon if it participates in Syria's reconstruction, local newspaper Al-Akhbar reported on Wednesday.