Asiri Urges Lebanese not to Use Cartoon to Sabotage Ties with Arabs

Saudi Ambassador Ali Awadh Asiri urged the Lebanese on Saturday not to use a caricature deemed insulting for Lebanon to sabotage the country’s ties with Arab states.

“The Lebanese should keep the caricature within its journalistic frame as clarified by Asharq al-Awsat newspaper so that it is not used by some sides that are trying to damage Lebanon’s relations with its Arab brethren,” Asiri said in a statement.

A group of activists briefly raided the office of the Saudi-owned newspaper in Beirut, protesting the cartoon that was published in its Friday edition.

The cartoon depicted the Lebanese state as an April's fool joke, printing the Lebanese flag with the words "April's Fool" over it.

The insulting cartoon provoked a storm over social media, with many, including politicians, demanding an apology.

Asiri said the reaction was exaggerated.

He described Lebanon’s ties with Saudi Arabia as “deep,” saying “the Kingdom’s respect for the Lebanese state, its institutions and its people don’t need any proof.”

The diplomat reiterated his call for the Lebanese people’s unity, national dialogue and the consolidation of state institutions.

The Lebanese state would regain its authority through the swift election of a president, he said, adding Riyadh is keen on Lebanon’s independence and sovereignty.