Asiri: Those Tarnishing Beirut-Riyadh Ties Do Not Represent Lebanese People
Saudi Ambassador Ali Awadh Asiri stressed on Tuesday that Lebanon is “stronger than the scheming taking place against it.”
He stated: “The sides that are seeking to tarnish ties between Beirut and Riyadh do not represent all the Lebanese people.”
He made his remarks before a delegation of Mustaqbal Movement officials, who visited the embassy in a show of support in wake of the kingdom's decision to halt its aid grant to the Lebanese army after criticism that was directed against it by Hizbullah and the stances of Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil at Arab League meetings.
“Saudi Arabia is keen on Lebanon's security and enabling its state to practice its duties,” continued Asiri.
The diplomat said that the kingdom had demonstrated its intentions towards Lebanon through actions, adding: “The delegations that have visited us are a reflection of the Lebanese people's keenness on Lebanese-Saudi ties.”
All the Lebanese are keen on preserving their country's Arab identity, remarked the diplomat.
Saudi Arabia announced on Friday that it has halted its aid grant to the army, drawing a wave of condemnation in Lebanon against Hizbullah and Bassil.
The foreign minister had abstained from voting on Arab League and world Muslim body statements condemning attacks by protesters on Saudi Arabia's embassy and consulate in Iran. The minister had objected to a phrase describing Hizbullah as “terrorist” in the Arab League statement.
Hizbullah has meanwhile been virulent in criticizing Saudi Arabia's role in the region, blaming it for the unrest in Yemen and Syria.
M.T.
D.A.
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