Bukhari meets Berri, urges quick election of president
Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Walid Bukhari on Wednesday held talks in Ain el-Tineh with Speaker Nabih Berri.
“The Saudi stance emphasizes the need to speed up the election of a president for the Lebanese republic who would be able to achieve the aspirations of the brotherly Lebanese people,” Bukhari said after the meeting.
The National News Agency said the talks tackled “the general situations, the political developments and the bilateral relations between Lebanon and the kingdom.”
Earlier in the day, Berri had called for unity in order to “finalize our national junctures, rescue Lebanon, protect it and immunize it against existential threats.”
“Through unity no force in the world would be able to defeat Lebanon, while through divisions and fragmentation we would be subjecting the country to numerous dangers,” the Speaker added.
03 May 2023, 19:07
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This may sound controversial. Lebanon will always be grateful to Saudi and Gulf nations for their continuous support and genuine assistance. Moving forward, assistance should be mutually beneficial, like welcoming tens of thousands of Lebanese to participate in development and modernization of their country. However, we should start shifting our focus to Egypt, Iraq, Jordon and potentially Syria. Especially Egypt, despite being short on cash for now, will no doubt be the new economic power in the Middle East. Significant investments in infrastructure, transportation, tourism, industry, agricultural, new technology and high education will soon bear fruit and transform Egyptian society. Lebanon and Egypt can be equal partners. Already Dar El Handasah played a role in planning New Egypt Capital. Egypt middle class has so much in common with Lebanon, similar to Iraq, Jordan and Syria. Our economic integration will be more balanced and beneficial.
04 May 2023, 20:30
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Explanation: If I were Saudi, I would benefit from MBS “Saudi First”. However, sudden deserting Iranian opposition is short sighted & will backfire as both Iran & Assad criminal minds plot long term. A clear warning to LF & Jumblat. MBS is in a corner. His reforms & 2030 Vision require foreign investment. He wrongly believe Saudi can attract investment as Dubai. His sovereign fund (PIF) despite Aramco shares has lost billions from tech, Credit Suisse and others (LUCID, 65% owned by PIF, dropped from $70 to $14 Billion). PIF is smaller than Abu Dhabi or Kuwait funds and can’t be replenish if recession hit oil prices. Saudi credit was hurting thus his sudden deal with Iran to limit political risk that was derailing his vision. While we will eternally be grateful to Saudi generosity, we should stop being a beggar nation. Our relations should be mutually beneficial as explained above. Lebanon salvation should focus on its capable diaspora once liberated from Basij and political mafia.
