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Jubeir: Hezbollah is ‘First-class Terrorist Organization’

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir and his French counterpart. Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir and his French counterpart. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Jubeir: Hezbollah is ‘First-class Terrorist Organization’

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir and his French counterpart. Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir and his French counterpart. Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir described Hezbollah on Thursday as a "first-class terrorist organization" that should lay down its arms and respect Lebanon's sovereignty.

"Hezbollah has kidnapped the Lebanese system," Jubeir told a joint news conference in Riyadh with French Foreign Minister Jean Yves Le Drian.

He accused Hezbollah of destabilising the region, and said "consultations and coordination between peace-loving countries and Lebanon-loving countries are underway to try to find a way that would restore sovereignty to Lebanon and reduce the negative action which Hezbollah is conducting in Lebanon.”

He said discussions with his French counterpart focused on several issues, mainly Iran’s meddling and combatting terrorism.

Jubeir also said accusations by Lebanese President Michel Aoun that resigned Prime Minister Saad Hariri is detained are "rejected and baseless."

He stressed it is up to Hariri to decide when to return home.

“Hariri lives in the kingdom by his own will and he resigned; regarding his return to Lebanon, it is up to him and his assessment to the security situation (in Lebanon)", Jubeir told the press conference.

As for Le Drian, he expressed concern over Iran’s meddling, saying he discussed with the Saudi FM Tehran’s interference in the region.

He also said discussions focused on the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers.

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Mohamed bin Zayed, European Council President Discuss Strengthening Ties and Regional Developments

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Charles Michel, President of the European Council, in Abu Dhabi. WAM
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Charles Michel, President of the European Council, in Abu Dhabi. WAM
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Mohamed bin Zayed, European Council President Discuss Strengthening Ties and Regional Developments

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Charles Michel, President of the European Council, in Abu Dhabi. WAM
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Charles Michel, President of the European Council, in Abu Dhabi. WAM

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Charles Michel, President of the European Council, have discussed ways to develop and expand relations to serve the common interests of all sides and foster growth and prosperity.

During Friday’s meeting, which took place at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed emphasized the deep ties between the UAE and the European Union, as well as the ongoing commitment to strengthening these relations to support their shared goals and promote peace and development at both the regional and global levels.

The meeting also touched upon the upcoming Gulf Cooperation Council-European Union summit scheduled for October in Brussels. The UAE President and Michel emphasized the significance of the summit in advancing relations, especially in economic and developmental areas, and setting the stage for further progress in the years ahead.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and the European Council President also reviewed several regional and international issues of mutual concern, particularly developments in the Middle East. They underscored the importance of reaching an urgent ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip to allow for adequate humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of its residents. They also stressed the need to de-escalate tensions in the West Bank and to push for a permanent and stable peace process based on the two-state solution.

Both sides emphasized the seriousness of escalating tensions in the region and the critical need for international efforts to contain and prevent the expansion of conflicts, which pose a threat to regional security and stability.

Sheikh Mohamed reiterated the UAE’s support for all efforts aimed at bringing an end to the conflict in Gaza and fostering stability and peace in the region. He also highlighted the UAE's commitment to cooperating with the European Union and other concerned parties to enhance the humanitarian response to the worsening situation in Gaza and support regional stability.

Charles Michel praised the UAE's position in support of Gulf-European cooperation and its influential humanitarian role in Gaza. He also commended the UAE’s contributions to peace and stability in the Middle East.