Asiri Denies Ties with Hizbullah Frozen Despite Political Differences

Saudi Ambassador Ali Awadh Asiri revealed on Thursday that political differences between Riyadh and Hizbullah were natural and should be used in Lebanon's national interest.

In remarks to As Safir daily, Asiri said that he was in continuous contact with Hizbullah. But stressed that their dispute on some political issues “were not a problem.”

“They are normal and should be used in Lebanon's favor,” he said.

Asked about Riyadh's ties with the Free Patriotic Movement of MP Michel Aoun, Asiri said: “Our relations were frozen in the past … but Aoun is welcome.”

His comments came after FPM official Energy Minister Jebran Bassil visited Asiri on Tuesday.

Bassil's visit was seen as a first step towards a willingness by the Hizbullah-led March 8 coalition to revive contacts between the party and the Saudi capital which Hizbullah deputy chief Sheikh Naim Qassem had visited in the past.

Qassem and Mohammed Fneish, who is currently a caretaker minister, made a three-day visit to Jeddah in December 2006 for a meeting with King Abdullah and his foreign minister Prince Saud al-Faisal.

The visit was aimed at easing tension between the kingdom and Hizbullah, which at the time was leading an opposition campaign to bring down then Prime Minister Fouad Saniora's government.

Asked whether he expected a meeting between him and a Hizbullah delegation anytime soon, Asiri said: “Our doors and hearts are open. The party is welcome.”

He reiterated that Saudi Arabia was at an equal distance from all sides. “We hope that the political parties extend their hands to each other and engage in a constructive dialogue.”