Rifi Slams Cabinet, Says Lebanon's Arab Identity Won't Change under Force of Arms

Former Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi slammed the government on Tuesday over a statement it issued a day earlier following a spat with Saudi Arabia over Lebanon's failure to support it against Iran.

“There is a big problem if we waste seven hours to write only seven lines,” Rifi said mockingly about the statement issued by the cabinet following an extraordinary session.

He made his remark to reporters after holding talks with Saudi Ambassador Ali Awadh Asiri.

After the marathon session on Monday, Prime Minister Tammam Salam said his government is “committed to Arab consensus on common issues.”

The cabinet, which convened following Riyadh's decision last week to halt $4 billion worth of aid to the Lebanese army and security forces, also voiced its unanimous and constant support to Arab countries, stressing Lebanon's Arab identity.

Riyadh's stance came after Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil declined to support Saudi resolutions against Iran during two recent meetings of Arab and Muslim foreign ministers.

But the Lebanese government faced severe criticism from several politicians for failing to condemn Hizbullah's involvement in Syria's war.

“There should either be fairness at the cabinet or else the table will be turned,” said Rifi, who resigned last week.

He apologized to Saudi Arabia over Bassil's stance, stressing that “the force of arms would not change Lebanon's Arab identity.”

Rifi reiterated that he is on good terms with al-Mustaqbal Movement chief Saad Hariri despite his resignation from the government.

“We are on a single path no matter what,” he said.

Rifi said later Tuesday that he had agreed with Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq for both of them to resign, but the latter changed his mind.

Al-Mashnouq snapped back at Rifi, saying: “I am committed to the leadership of the movement that I represent in the cabinet.”

G.K.

M.T.