Asiri Meets Daryan: We Trust Politicians' Wisdom to Ease Lebanon Tensions

Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Awad Asiri stressed on Friday that his country is counting on the wisdom of Lebanese officials to reach solutions that will ease tensions in Lebanon, the state-run National News Agency said.

“The kingdom of Saudi Arabia is keen to preserve Lebanon and its people, and it is counting on the wisdom of its officials to reach solutions that would ease the tension and fortify the internal arena,” said Asiri.

“I hope that the holy month of Ramadan heralds a solution to all controversial issues among the Lebanese,” added Asiri after a meeting with Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Daryan at Dar al-Fatwa.

Conveying Saudi Arabia’s well-wishes to the Lebanese on the occasion of Ramadan, he said: “We hope that this month brings in peace, stability and uniformity of the state institutions starting with the election of a new president.”

The ambassador concluded reiterating his country's persistence to back Lebanon “until it restores its well being and prosperity.”

Lebanon has been living without a president since the term of president Michel Suleiman ended in May 2014.

Because of the parliament's failure to convene to take major decisions, including election of a head of state, the country has been witnessing major paralysis in its institutions.

Rival parties and lawmakers have been at loggerheads over a consensual president.

Moreover, the government has joined in the circle of paralysis when PM Tammam Salam decided early in June to halt cabinet sessions to allow rival parties to agree on the controversial issue of the appointment of high-ranking officials.

The Free Patriotic Movement officials had warned that their party's ministers would not attend a cabinet session if the discussion and approval of high-ranking military and security officials are not on the agenda.

D.A.

M.T.