Bukhari tells al-Rahi KSA has no veto on any presidential candidate
Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Walid Bukhari met Thursday with Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi in Bkerki.
Bkerki’s spokesperson Walid Ghayad said that Bukhari has told al-Rahi that KSA considers the presidency a Lebanese decision and has no objection to any name.
"Saudi Arabia is against any dictations and will not object to any elected candidate," Ghayad quoted Bukhari as saying.
He said that Bukhari also stressed on KSA's keenness on not being accused of obstructing the presidential vote.
Bukhari had on Wednesday held talks with Speaker Nabih Berri and Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea, and emphasized the need to speed up the election of a president who would be able to achieve the aspirations of the Lebanese.
04 May 2023, 20:39
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Yes but don't underestimate Assad's criminal mind and Iran's destructive instincts. Also important is not to over rely on Saudi as MBS focus has always been Yemen not Lebanon; though balanced mutually-beneficial relation with Saudi is extremely important. The real focus and true salvation will only come from recent and established diaspora once trust restored and country liberated from Basij occupation and political mafia that bankrupted the country and systematically destroyed our institutions since 2019 making us a hopeless beggar nation with no dignity or hope.
04 May 2023, 20:40
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Food for thought: Saudi will benefit from MBS reforms & “Saudi First”. However, sudden deserting Iranian opposition is short sighted & will backfire as both Iran & Assad criminal minds plot long term. A clear warning to LF & Jumblat. MBS is in a corner. His reforms & 2030 Vision require foreign investment. He wrongly believe Saudi can attract investment as Dubai. His sovereign fund (PIF) despite Aramco shares has lost billions from tech, Credit Suisse and others (LUCID, 65% owned by PIF, dropped from $70 to $14 Billion). PIF is smaller than Abu Dhabi or Kuwait funds and can’t be replenish if recession hit oil prices. Saudi credit was hurting thus his sudden deal with Iran to limit political risk that was derailing his vision. While we will eternally be grateful to Saudi generosity, we should stop being a beggar nation. Our relations should be mutually beneficial as explained above. Lebanon salvation should focus on its capable diaspora once liberated from Basij and political mafia.
