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.



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.