NNA - President of the Republic, General Michel Aoun, received Assistant Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Ambassador Houssam Zaki, today at the Presidential Palace.
President Aoun told Ambassador Zaki that “Lebanon is keen to establish the best and kindest relations with brotherly Arab countries, especially Saudi Arabia and Gulf states, and Lebanon didn’t spare an occasion without expressing this keenness”.
The President also stressed the necessity of separating stances of the Lebanese state from what is issued by individuals or groups, “Especially if they are not assuming positions of responsibility, taking into account the requirements of the democratic system chosen by the Lebanese state which guarantees freedom of opinion and thought, within the limits of the law”.
In addition, the President assured that what recently happened between Lebanon and KSA must be addressed “Through sincere dialogue based in the foundations of Arab brotherhood, cooperation and coordination between both brotherly countries, given their historical relations which have always been and will remain for the benefit of both peoples”.
Moreover, the President welcomed any endeavor by the Arab League to restore fraternal relations between both countries to their previous era, especially since Lebanon hopes for all the good, progress and prosperity for KSA. President Aoun also considered that frankness in such situations is an essential factor to bring views closer and heal any rift, and Lebanon will not hesitate to take any position which helps prepare the atmosphere for such frankness which takes into account national sovereignty and mutual concern for institutionalizing relations between both countries to ensure sustainability and not being affected by any individual and transitory event.
Statement:
After the meeting, Ambassador Zaki made the following statement:
“Today, I was honored to meet His Excellency the President of the Republic. I am here on behalf of the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States to get acquainted with the situation regarding the recent crisis which occurred between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia and several Gulf states, due to media statements issued by the Information Minister, a while ago. This is an effort by the Arab League to get to know the situation first, and if it turns out that there is a possibility to make an effort to be able to bring both sides closer and resolve these problems, that would be a good thing. Both Lebanese and Gulf interests are our goal and our way to seek a solution.
The dialogue with His Excellency the President was as usual, frank and good. I will meet Premier Mikati and then Speaker Berri, and God willing, at the end of this day, we will be able to say that we are going in the right direction and things will be positive.
Questions & Answers:
Asked about the possibility of visiting KSA, Zaki replied “If it is necessary t visit KSA, this is possible. We visit Saudi Arabia at all times, and this is always an issue, but we must first feel that there is a solution to the crisis so that we can take it to a future stage”.
Question: Are there any reassurances for the Lebanese residing in the Gulf?
Answer: “Yes”.
National Defense Minister:
The President met National Defense Minister, Brigadier General Maurice Slim, today at Baabda Palace, and addressed with him current developments, and emerging situations in addition to methods of tackling these situations.
The conditions and needs of the Defense Ministry in current circumstances, were also discussed.
Cable for Iraqi Premier:
The President sent a cable to Iraqi Prime Minister, Mustafa Al-Kazemi, condemning yesterday’s assassination attempt.
President Aoun congratulated PM Al-Kazemi on his safety, wishing Iraq and its brotherly people continuous security, stability and national unity. -- Presidency Press office
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