Former Lebanese PMs Call on Kordahi to Resign

Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri. (Reuters file photo)
Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri. (Reuters file photo)
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Former Lebanese PMs Call on Kordahi to Resign

Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri. (Reuters file photo)
Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri. (Reuters file photo)

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.



Saudi Arabia Warns against Israeli Statements on West Bank Sovereignty

An aerial view shows the Jewish settlement of Maale Adumim in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, June 25, 2023. (Reuters)
An aerial view shows the Jewish settlement of Maale Adumim in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, June 25, 2023. (Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia Warns against Israeli Statements on West Bank Sovereignty

An aerial view shows the Jewish settlement of Maale Adumim in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, June 25, 2023. (Reuters)
An aerial view shows the Jewish settlement of Maale Adumim in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, June 25, 2023. (Reuters)

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed on Tuesday the Kingdom stern warning regarding the extremist statements made by an Israeli cabinet official about imposing Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank and expanding settlements.

These statements “undermine peace efforts, including the two-state solution; encourage conflicts; and increase extremism, posing a greater threat to regional security and stability,” it stressed.

Saudi Arabia considers these statements “a blatant violation of international laws and UN resolutions, reinforcing occupation and expansion by force, which sets a dangerous precedent.”

The ministry said that the “continued international failure to address this issue threatens the legitimacy and credibility of the international system and its sustainability.”