Saudi FM: Solution in Lebanon Lies in ‘Hezbollah’ Disarming

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir. (AFP)
Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir. (AFP)
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Saudi FM: Solution in Lebanon Lies in ‘Hezbollah’ Disarming

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir. (AFP)
Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir. (AFP)

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir declared on Friday that Lebanon is being held hostage by another country through a terrorist group, “Hezbollah,” which is backed by Iran.

He said during a conference in the Italian capital Rome: “The solution in Lebanon lies in ‘Hezbollah’ disarming.”

He also accused the party of using Lebanese banks for money-laundering.

“Iran continues to interfere in the affairs of other countries,” he said, accusing it of facilitating the operation of the al-Qaida and ISIS terror organizations.

Furthermore, the minister remarked that Tehran was incapable of changing the balance of power in Yemen.

He explained that the Houthi insurgents’ targeting of some Saudi villages was a “desperate” move.

“We need to convince the Houthis to commit to the laws and seek the interests of the Yemeni people, who were headed on the right path before the coup,” added Jubeir.

He renewed Saudi Arabia’s support for the political process in Yemen under the supervision of the United Nations, stressing: “We are working with it delivering aid and help through Yemeni ports.”

Addressing terrorism, he stated that ISIS members operate without any religious creed or humanity, emphasizing that terrorists and extremists should be deprived of any platform to spread hate and strife.

Saudi Arabia was a victim of terrorism and it is waging a fierce war against it, Jubeir declared.

The Kingdom has for 15 years underlined the need to combat extremist thought and it has initiatives to combat terror funding, he continued.

He also denied that Saudi Arabia has ties with Israel, adding that Riyadh is looking forward to the resumption of the peace process.

“We need a political will to reach a solution to end the Arab-Israeli conflict,” Jubeir said.



EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
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EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)

Luigi Di Maio, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf region, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the recent visit by the President of the European Council to Saudi Arabia was to prepare for the upcoming EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Brussels on October 16.

This will be the first summit between the two regional organizations, with leaders from both sides attending, marking a significant step in their cooperation.

Di Maio stressed the importance of strong ties between leaders, noting that European Council President Charles Michel has been dedicated to strengthening these relations since his first visit to the Gulf two years ago, when he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah.

He added that since 2022, EU-Gulf relations have improved, with a focus on cooperation in areas like climate change, trade, investment, digitization, and sustainable supply chains.

Di Maio emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue to build mutual understanding and deepen these relations.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s key role in global affairs, especially in seeking solutions for the Gaza conflict, reducing tensions in the Middle East, and pursuing a just peace in Ukraine.

He stressed that closer cooperation between the EU and Saudi Arabia is essential in tackling these issues.

Di Maio praised Thursday’s preparatory meeting in Riyadh between GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi and Michel, calling it “timely and constructive” for the upcoming summit.

He emphasized both sides’ commitment to making the summit a success, noting that it will “send a strong signal about elevating EU-Gulf relations to a strategic level.”

Di Maio outlined the key topics for discussion at the summit in Brussels, including climate action, the green transition, digital advancements, trade, investments, and visa exemptions.

He added that the summit will also address major geopolitical challenges, particularly in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.