Asiri: We are Relying on Lebanese Officials' Wisdom to End Govt. Impasse
Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Awadh Asiri voiced his country's support for Lebanon's stability, hoping that officials would succeed in ending the deadlock over the government, reported al-Joumhouria newspaper on Saturday.
He told the daily: “We are relying on the wisdom of national political figures to end the impasse.”
He made his remarks after holding talks on Friday with Speaker Nabih Berri.
“We are relying on their diligence given the challenges we are facing in the region,” continued Asiri.
“This is an internal Lebanese affair and we hope the deadlock would be short-lived,” he added.
The ambassador also hailed Prime Minister Tammam Salam for his strenuous efforts to preserve stability and unity in Lebanon.
The cabinet is facing a deadlock following the Free Patriotic Movement's insistence to tackle the contentious security appointments file ahead of any other issue, which is threatening to paralyze its work.
Last week, the government failed to agree on the appointments controversy.
FPM chief MP Michel Aoun has bluntly rejected any attempt to extend the terms of the officials.
He has been lobbying for political consensus on the appointment of Commando Regiment chief Brig. Gen. Chamel Roukoz, his son-in-law, as army chief as part of a package for the appointment of other top security officers.
Roukoz's tenure ends in October while the term of army commander Gen. Jean Qahwaji expires at the end of September.
M.T.
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