Ambassadors Meet Bassil, Stress Keenness to Maintain Stability in Lebanon

Ambassadors congratulated on Monday Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil on his appointment in Prime Minister Tammam Salam's cabinet, who expressed hope that the country would witness stability after the formation of the government.

“The formation of the cabinet is a praised step amid the delicate situation locally and in the region,” Papal Ambassador to Lebanon Gabriel Caccia said after talks with Bassil at the Bustros Palace.

Caccia stressed that consensus among the political arch-foes would contribute in ending chaos in Lebanon and to safeguard stability in it.

Bassil later held talks with the ambassadors of the Gulf Cooperation Council to Lebanon, who stressed the importance of stability in Lebanon.

“The Gulf countries are keen to safeguard Lebanon's sovereignty and stability,” Kuwaiti Ambassador to Lebanon Abdul Aal al-Qinai said.

He voiced hope that the “national spirit that led to the formation of a unity cabinet would lead to more local agreements.”

Asked if the GCC states would lift a travel ban imposed on Lebanon, the ambassador said that the decision was taken due to the delicate security conditions the country is passing through.

“The tourists will return once the situation is stable,” he said.

Kuwait and several other GCC states had previously advised their citizens to avoid travel to Lebanon and its nationals currently present in the country to leave due to the unstable security situation.

Syria's civil war has exacerbated sectarian tensions in Lebanon and its security situation has deteriorated due to various groups intervention in battles in the neighboring country.

Although Lebanon has officially adopted a position of neutrality in Syria's war, its people are sharply divided with Hizbullah and its allies backing President Bashar Assad's regime and the March 14 coalition supports the rebellion.