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Washington Reaffirms Commitment to Relations with Saudi Arabia, Region at Large

The seal of the United States Department of State is seen in Washington, US, January 26, 2017. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts
The seal of the United States Department of State is seen in Washington, US, January 26, 2017. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts
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Washington Reaffirms Commitment to Relations with Saudi Arabia, Region at Large

The seal of the United States Department of State is seen in Washington, US, January 26, 2017. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts
The seal of the United States Department of State is seen in Washington, US, January 26, 2017. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts

A distinguished US official expressed her country's strong and enduring bond with Saudi Arabia, thanking the Kingdom for its crucial role in important matters like the Sudanese crisis and its effective coordination in the global fight against ISIS.

Hala Ghrait, the regional spokeswoman for the US Department of State, emphasized in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, following US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Saudi Arabia, that the notion of the US withdrawing from the region is inaccurate.

She highlighted the US’ commitment to its relationship with Saudi Arabia and the entire region.

Ghrait pointed out that the meeting between Blinken and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had highlighted the significance of bilateral relations and the cooperation and coordination between the two countries in various issues, such as Yemen, Sudan, and the defeat of ISIS.

Regarding Yemen, Ghrait emphasized the importance of achieving an intra-Yemeni political solution, urging Houthi insurgents to consider the Yemeni people and renounce violence to achieve stability in the country.

Ghrait stressed the significant cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the US in addressing the Sudanese issue, highlighting that key stakeholders remain present in Jeddah and expressing optimism for the revival of negotiations.

She further acknowledged that the sanctions implemented by the US, in collaboration with Saudi Arabia and other entities, aimed to apply pressure on the parties that failed to comply with the ceasefire.

Ghrait clarified that the upcoming meeting of the International Coalition to defeat ISIS, scheduled to take place in Riyadh on Thursday, will focus on Syria and Iraq.

The gathering, with participation from over 30 ministers and representatives from more than 80 countries, will address issues such as funding counterterrorism efforts, fostering stability, as well as tackling the ISIS threat in Africa and Central Asia.

The spokeswoman further reiterated her country’s opposition to normalizing relations with Syria.

However, she acknowledged the US’ understanding of its regional partners’ intentions to establish direct relationships with the Syrian regime, as the goal is to exert pressure on the Syrian government.

Ghrait also affirmed that Blinken’s visit to Saudi Arabia highlights the importance of the bilateral relationship between the US and the Kingdom.

She explained that his meeting yesterday with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman covered numerous bilateral, regional, and international issues.

Ghrait described the military relationship between her country and Saudi Arabia as “extremely strong,” noting that the Defense Department has “very strong ties” in all areas desired by the Saudis.

There is an exchange of ideas in the technological, weapons and logistical fields, she affirmed.

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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)

One of the UN’s top humanitarian officials in Lebanon, Imran Riza, has warned that the situation will worsen if the conflict continues, calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

He stressed that the ongoing war is placing immense strain on both the UN and the Lebanese government, as over a million people have been displaced. He said current needs exceed $400 million, but only 12% of that amount has been raised so far.

Worsening Crisis

Riza, who is the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon, UN Resident, and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat. He described the past two weeks as “catastrophic” for civilians, with the crisis growing over the last year.

More than 600,000 people have been displaced and over a million affected, with 300,000 crossing the border, according to Riza.

Many of these people have been displaced more than once in search of safety. Riza emphasized that the war has severely impacted civilians, with more than a quarter of Lebanon's population affected.

The UN has been working to address the crisis, but Riza said resources are limited.

He stressed that the UN has been saying all year that it doesn’t have enough funds, even when there were only 110,000 displaced people.

Last week, the UN launched a $426 million appeal for urgent humanitarian aid, with 12% of the funding already secured.

Riza said more support is expected, with donor countries pledging additional help.

He also expressed gratitude for contributions from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which provided medical and relief supplies, and said the UN hopes to see more international assistance soon.

Working with the Government

The UN is working closely with the Lebanese government every day to provide shelter, food, healthcare, and water to those in need.

Cooperation with the government has been excellent, said Riza.

However, he acknowledged that the government’s capacity is weakened after five years of ongoing crises, which have also severely impacted the population.

People are less resilient than they were during the 2006 war, and the government and its institutions are weaker, affirmed Riza.

The UN is helping the government respond effectively, ensuring transparency and accountability, so that aid reaches those who need it, he added.

The UN is also collaborating with local and international NGOs that have gained experience from Lebanon’s recent crises, helping to ensure a more effective response. Shelters are also being monitored to prevent any abuse.

A Different Reality from 2006

The current situation in Lebanon is very different from the 2006 war. Politically, the country now has a caretaker government and no president, with much less international presence.

Back then, other countries were more involved, said Riza.

The 2006 war lasted only 33 days, but this conflict has dragged on for a year, he noted.

During recent visits to southern border areas, Riza said locals were asking when the war would end, as the situation has worsened significantly in the past two weeks.

Riza noted that, in the first week of the crisis, it was extremely difficult to respond, and even now, many displaced people remain without shelter.

The UN is working with the government to provide shelter, food, and healthcare, but it’s not easy, he noted.

Displacement Crisis

With winter approaching, Riza stressed the need to properly house displaced people, saying that people can’t be left without shelter.

There are also concerns over a lack of housing, clean water, and sanitation, as well as the risk of disease outbreaks. Despite these challenges, Riza praised the close cooperation between the UN, international organizations, and partners.

Many agencies are responding, he asserted.

Riza rejected any claims of discrimination between displaced groups, noting that both Lebanese and Syrians are currently staying in UNRWA schools. He added that talks with the government about sheltering displaced Syrians have been positive.

Riza also expressed concern about the school year and children’s education.

Prolonged Conflict

The United Nations sees no immediate solution to the humanitarian and military crisis in Lebanon, with Riza stressing that the solution must be political and diplomatic, but first, a ceasefire is needed.

While there is little optimism for an end to the conflict, Riza said, the UN is encouraged by the support from its partners, which helps the organization assist the displaced.

He mentioned the recent evacuation of 1,000 people from Ain Ebel and aid distribution in Tyre, emphasizing the need to ensure that they reach those in need.

Riza called on all sides to respect international and humanitarian laws, allowing safe access for aid workers.

He condemned violations, including the deaths of firefighters, health workers, civil defense staff, and UN personnel, adding that the toll on civilian and health infrastructure is growing.