Salam not Likely to Visit Riyadh Soon

Government officials ruled out a visit by Prime Minister Tammam Salam to Saudi Arabia anytime soon after King Salman announced a major shake-up in the line of succession and cabinet.

The officials told al-Liwaa daily published on Thursday that Salam would not be able to visit Riyadh as expected because Saudi officials are busy with announcing their allegiance to their new leaders.

Salman redrew the line of succession on Wednesday, appointing his nephew, Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, as crown prince. The 55-year-old prince, who also serves as interior minister and was previously deputy crown prince, has led the kingdom's crackdown on Islamic militants and has worked closely with Western security and intelligence agencies.

The king's son, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was named deputy crown prince, placing him as the most likely second in line for the crown.

The king also made other major appointments.

Sources told al-Liwaa earlier this month that Salam would hold talks with Salman and senior officials in his possible visit.

The sources said that talks would focus on the exceptional bilateral ties between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, in addition to the latest developments in the region, including the war in Yemen.

G.K.

H.K.