Three former Lebanese prime ministers called on Information Minister George Kordahi to resign after his offensive comments sparked a deep diplomatic dispute with Saudi Arabia and Gulf countries.
A statement issued by former PMs Fuad Siniora, Saad Hariri and Tammam Salam said Kordahi’s remarks were a blow to the fraternal relations and joint Arab interests that bind Lebanon with Arab countries, especially the Gulf Cooperation Council.
On Friday, Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed his vehement rejection of all matters that may harm the deep fraternal relations with Saudi Arabia, which has long stood by Lebanon as it confronted major challenges throughout long decades.
Saudi Arabia announced on Friday it was expelling the Lebanese ambassador in Riyadh, recalling its envoy in Beirut for consultations and imposing a blanket ban on all Lebanese imports.
The Kingdom said “it regrets that relations with Lebanon have deteriorated to such an extent due to the Lebanese authorities’ ignoring of facts and ongoing failure to take corrective measures that could mend these ties.” The Kingdom has always been keen on these relations based on its deep fraternal relations with the Lebanese people.
Mikati stressed his keenness on Lebanese-Gulf relations, hoping that they would be strengthened once again, especially with Saudi Arabia.
He said he had contacted Kordahi on Friday, asking him to prioritize the national interest and take the “appropriate” decision to rectify Lebanon’s ties with the Arab world.
