Asiri Says Nasrallah's Remarks Reflected 'Psychological Crisis'

Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Awadh Asiri on Monday hit out anew at Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah over the latter's criticism of Riyadh's military intervention in Yemen, noting that his fiery speech reflected a “psychological crisis.”

Asked about his interpretation of Nasrallah's speech, Asiri told MTV: “The only explanation I have is that, unfortunately, there is a psychological crisis.”

“What is being said by some Lebanese leaders is inappropriate and the Yemeni issue is not a Lebanese affair or the affair of any leader in Lebanon,” he added.

On Sunday, Asiri issued a statement accusing Nasrallah of misleading the public over the Yemeni crisis and defaming the kingdom.

“The sides that are supporting Nasrallah and mobilizing the Huthis do not wish well for Yemen,” Asiri remarked of Yemen's rebel Huthi movement that is backed by Iran, Hizbullah's key backer.

Nasrallah had on Friday lashed out at Saudi Arabia, accusing it of blocking presidential elections in Lebanon, turning a blind eye to the Palestinian people's plight, financing the Islamic State extremist group, and fabricating “lies” to justify the military intervention in Yemen.

Last week, Saudi Arabia began military operation Firmness Storm to combat the growing influence of the Iranian-backed Huthi movement in Yemen. It has launched airstrikes in the country, backed by several Arab and Muslim countries.

Asked whether Riyadh was blocking presidential elections in Lebanon as alleged by Nasrallah, Asiri hinted that Hizbullah and its allies were the ones impeding the vote.

“I will address this question to our brothers in Lebanon. Who is preventing MPs from heading to parliament to elect a president? We know who is doing this,” said Asiri.

Commenting on Nasrallah's accusation that Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal is “vetoing” the election of Free Patriotic Movement chief MP Michel Aoun as president, the ambassador said: “Unfortunately, the failure of some political forces to find an exit has made them search for someone to blame.”

And on whether Riyadh was “fighting Iran” in Yemen, Asiri said: “We're against any foreign interference in Yemen and in Saudi Arabia and we're not interfering but rather protecting the legitimacy that was endorsed by the Yemenis.”

“We're not fighting Iran but rather its policies. We do not approve of its approach, as it is supporting a certain sect and trying to disrupt the Yemeni situations,” he added.

“The reason is Iran's public support that was pouring into Yemen through funds and arms,” he went on to say.

Y.R.