Salam’s Sources Say No Party Intends to Resign from Cabinet

Sources close to Prime Minister Tammam Salam have denied that any party had the intention to resign from the government or suspend its participation in it.

The sources told As Safir daily published on Monday that despite the growing tension between the Mustaqbal-led March 14 alliance and the Hizbullah-dominated March 8 camp, all parties are aware that there is no alternative to the cabinet.

The rising tension came after Saudi Arabia announced last week that it would cut $4 billion in aid to the Lebanese army and security forces.

Riyadh's decision came in retaliation to Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil's rejection to support Saudi resolutions against Iran during two recent meetings of Arab and Muslim foreign ministers.

Bassil is an ally of Hizbullah, which is backed by Iran.

Riyadh’s move was followed by travel warnings issued by Saudi Arabia and several Gulf countries, which also urged their citizens already in Lebanon to leave.

Saudi Arabia also blacklisted several individuals and companies for their alleged ties to Hizbullah.

The sources said that Riyadh remains angry at Lebanon’s lack of support to the Kingdom against its rival Iran.

Salam has told Saudi Ambassador Ali Awadh Asiri that he wants to visit Riyadh to explain the official Lebanese stance.

But no date has been set yet for the visit, the sources added.

G.K.

D.A.