Lebanon Takes Part in Saudi Crown Prince's Funeral

Saudi Crown Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz's funeral was held on Sunday with the participation of a number of Lebanese officials.

Prime Minister Najib Miqati took part in the service that was held at the Sacred Mosque in the holy city of Mecca.

A statement issued by Miqati's press office said the premier extended his condolences to King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz and to the brothers and sons of the late crown prince.

Miqati also extended condolences on behalf of President Michel Suleiman and Speaker Nabih Berri, according to the statement.

Former Premier Saad Hariri and Grand Mufti Sheikh Mohammed Rashid Qabbani were also expected to take part in the funeral.

President Suleiman expressed his sadness on Saturday over Prince Nayef’s passing, condoling King Abdullah and the Saudi Arabian people over their loss.

Speaker Berri cabled the Saudi monarch on Saturday condoling him on behalf of Lebanese MPs.

For his part, Miqati condoled King Abdullah and Saudi officials in a telephone call to the monarch.

Prince Nayef, a half brother of King Abdullah, died on Saturday, leaving the oil powerhouse with no apparent successor to the throne.

A long-serving interior minister, he "died outside" Saudi Arabia having recently left the Gulf state for medical treatment, said a statement carried by state media, including Al-Ekhbariyah Television and SPA news agency.

The 79-year-old prince died of "cardiac problems" while he was in Switzerland, at his brother's residence in Geneva, according to a medical source in the city who requested not to be identified.