Asiri: Designating Salam, a Lebanese Choice

Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Awadh Asiri assured that the designation of MP Tammam Salam to form the new cabinet was a strictly Lebanese choice, denying any Saudi role in naming him, As Safir daily quoted the ambassador in an interview on Saturday.

“I have reiterated before that the solution in Lebanon cannot but be inter-Lebanese, and that is what makes it continuous. Lebanon's fate is in the hands of its son,” said Asiri.

“Media reports regarding the visit of Salam to former Premier Saad Hariri in Riyadh insinuated that Saudi Arabia has a role in designating Salam which is not accurate. The visit was strictly for bilateral consultations, and Salam would have visited Hariri even if the latter were in Paris,” he added.

Salam paid a short visit Thursday to the Saudi capital, Riyadh, where he held talks with Hariri on “various aspects of the political situation in Lebanon, particularly the cabinet situation,” according to a statement released by Hariri’s office

Asiri stressed that “one of Saudi Arabia's principles is not to interfere in the internal affairs of any state,” voicing hopes that the new Lebanese cabinet reflects the will and ambitions of the Lebanese.

Beirut MP Salam is set to be named at the weekend prime minister-designate to form a new cabinet after having secured a majority of MPs’ votes from across the political divide.

“The consensual agreement between political parties to name Salam reflects the status of his noble family and gives the Lebanese some hope that the next stage led by him could be a good one,” added Asiri,

He pinned hopes on the vigilance of the Lebanese to surpass the critical phase ahead, saying: “Lebanon and the region are passing through a pivotal stage, which requires responsible people to handle it. We hope that the Lebanese are capable of forming a coherent team to overcome it, paving way for new ones. It is all in their hands.”

He stressed that Saudi Arabia has never stopped supporting Lebanon, and will be delighted to see the Lebanese agree consensualy to prioritize the country's interest, and join efforts to instill civil peace and political agreement, away from sedition.

“Saudi Arabia cannot but support productive dialogue between the Lebanese,” he said, reiterating “the necessity to adhere to the policy of dissociation that has been affirmed by the Gulf Cooperation Council in the letter addressed to President Michel Suleiman.”