Lebanon’s Minister of Information George Kordahi announced his resignation on Friday saying that he has decided “to put the national interest above personal considerations.”
His resignation came weeks following offensive statements he made about the war in Yemen, which sparked a diplomatic rift with the Gulf States.
The Lebanese authorities are seeking to mend the relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. In this regard, Prime Minister Najib Mikati stressed that Kordahi’s resignation “was necessary after the crisis that arose with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a number of GCC countries, and would open a door to addressing the problem…”
Mikati called upon all Lebanese parties to put Lebanon’s interests above all considerations, and not to offend in any way the brotherly countries or interfere in their affairs.
“Lebanon looks forward to the best relations with its Arab brothers and to the historical ties that bring our states and peoples together,” he stated.
The premier added that the government was “keen on implementing the provisions of the ministerial statement to strengthen Lebanon’s relations with brotherly Arab States… and rejects everything that could harm the security and stability of the Gulf.”
The Lebanese premier also stressed that the government “will be strict and take the necessary measures to control the maritime and land borders to prevent all kinds of smuggling operations that harm the security of brotherly Arab countries, especially the Gulf states and Saudi Arabia.”
Kordahi, who is affiliated with the Marada Movement, refused to resign in the weeks that followed the crisis, despite calls by Mikati and Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai for the need to prioritize national interests.
He finally signed his resignation letter on Friday, and handed separate copies to President Michel Aoun and Mikati.
