Al-Rahi to Seek Hariri Meeting in Saudi and Relay Messages from Aoun
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi has not postponed his Monday visit to Saudi Arabia and will seek to hold a meeting with Prime Minister Saad Hariri, media reports said on Thursday.
Following talks between al-Rahi and President Michel Aoun in Baabda, presidential palace sources said “al-Rahi's visit to Saudi Arabia is still scheduled” and that the patriarch “will seek to meet with PM Saad Hariri to inquire about his situation.”
“Al-Rahi will inform the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that Lebanon cannot withstand the wars of others on its soil or the Iranian-Saudi conflict,” the sources added.
Al-Rahi had left the palace without making a statement.
The National News Agency said talks tackled “the current situations and the latest developments.”
Bkirki spokesman Walid Ghayyad confirmed to al-Jadeed TV that the patriarch would relay messages from Aoun to Saudi officials.
Media reports meanwhile said that al-Rahi has received a positive response from Saudi officials regarding his request to meet with Hariri and that the meeting will be held “in principle.”
Al-Rahi's visit to Saudi Arabia had been scheduled prior to Hariri's shock resignation on Saturday.
In a haltingly delivered address, Hariri accused Iran of meddling in Arab affairs and Iran-backed Hizbullah of holding Lebanon hostage. He also said he feared for his life.
In his absence, Lebanon has been awash with speculation the prime minister may be held against his will in Saudi Arabia. Saudi officials have denied Hariri is under house arrest.
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