Asiri Says Saudi Arabia Safeguarding Legitimate Institutions, Stability in Lebanon
Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Awadh Asiri stressed on Wednesday that his country's decision to boost the capabilities of the Lebanese army is to protect the country's legitimate institutions and safeguard its independence and stability.
“The grant comes in light of the enormous challenges confronting the Lebanese army,” Asiri said in an interview with the news channel France 24 , describing the decision of Saudi Arabia as “wise.”
The aid reflects Riyadh's sincere emotions towards Lebanon and reaffirms the continuation of the bilateral ties between the two countries, the ambassador pointed out.
He denied that the grant “targets any particular side,” stressing that it is offered to the Lebanese army, which is formed of soldiers from different sects.
On Monday, Lebanon received the first shipment of $3 billion worth of French arms under a Saudi-financed deal to boost the country's defensive capabilities to combat terror threats, along its northeastern border in particular.
Lebanon's allies are seeking to bolster the country's defenses against the Islamic State group and other jihadists pressing along its Syrian border.
In August, the kingdom also offered another $1 billion in funds to allow the army to purchase supplies immediately.
Asked about the latest verbal spat with Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah over the Saudi-led coalition offensive in Yemen, Asiri expressed regret over “the tense speech delivered” by the party chief.
“The speech doesn't serve Lebanon's interests and its bilateral ties with Saudi Arabia,” the ambassador noted.
He lashed out at the Islamic Republic of Iran, considering it behind sectarianism in the region.
Tensions recently flared between the Mustaqbal Movement and Hizbullah over Saudi Arabia's military operation against Yemen.
The former has backed the campaign, while the latter has slammed it as blatant interference in the country's affairs.
A war of words soon ensued between the two sides, with movement chief MP Saad Hariri declaring Saudi Arabia's right to defend Arab interests against Iran, while Nasrallah vowed that the kingdom will suffer a defeat in its mission.
H.K.
M.T.
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