Lebanon hopes to resolve tensions with Gulf countries soon, says FM Abdallah Bou Habib

Following expulsion of ir ambassors, Lebanon's Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib on Saturday, 30 October, said that nation is hoping to soon resolve tensions with Gulf countries and Saudi Arabia. According to Sputnik, Habib said that Lebanon is hoping to soon resolve crisis with Gulf nations and reiterate its commitment to responsibilities it has before Arab world and Saudi Arabia. Following an urgent government meeting, minister went on to inform that it was also attended by a US representative, ding that US could aid in resolving  situation.

It is pertinent to mention that tensions were ignited after a Lebanese minister criticized Saudi Arabia's involvement in Yemeni conflict. As per BBC, Lebanon’s Information Minister George Kordahi h termed Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE) as aggressors in Yemen conflict during an interview, brocasted earlier this week, but recorded in August. Reacting to statements, Saudi Arabia, on Friday, ordered Lebanese ambassor to nation to leave country within next 48 hours. According to foreign ministry of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bahrain has also demanded Lebanese ambassor to leave nation within two days for same cause.

Saudi Arabia has furr announced that all imports from Lebanon will also be stopped. It has also asked Kingdom’s ambassor in Beirut to return. According to Saudi media, action will not impact thousands of Lebanese nationals and ir families who are currently residing and working in oil-rich kingdom.

Bahrain announces expulsion of Lebanese envoys

After Saudi Arabia and Bahrain announced expulsion of envoys, Lebanese PM Najib Mikati voiced regrets over Saudi decision and asked country to reconsider. Mikati went on to say that his ministration "categorically rejects" anything that threatens Saudi Arabia's “deep brorly relations” with Lebanon.  Mikati previously stated that Kordahi's remarks do not reflect government's position, stating that minister spoke before assuming office last month.

It is to mention that Saudi-led military alliance has been combating Houthi rebels in Yemen for seven years and supporting Yemen government. Meanwhile, during past years, ties between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia have deteriorated. Hezbollah, which is an Iran-backed terrorist group that also supports Houthi rebels in Yemen has risen in power in Lebanon. As per AP, Kordahi is an ally of Christian Mara Movement which has close ties with Hezbollah group.

(Image: AP)