Attention in Lebanon is turning to the outcome of talks regarding its crisis with the Gulf over a Lebanese Cabinet minister’s comments.
Prime Minister Najib Mikati is expected to arrive in Beirut on Wednesday, coming from Glasgow, where he participated in the COP26 Climate Summit and met with a number of state officials.
Ministerial sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that a meeting will be held on Thursday between President Michel Aoun and Mikati.
Mikati is also expected to hold talks with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to review the means to address the crisis with the Gulf, and to discuss the possibility of holding a cabinet session amid concerns of a dispute arising between ministers.
On Tuesday, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdallah Bou Habib quoted Aoun as stressing “Lebanon’s unified position on the necessity of establishing the best relations with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf and Arab countries.”
“These relations should not be affected by any stances made by one side or party that do not reflect the Lebanese state’s viewpoint, which was declared in its policy statement,” Bou Habib said, quoting the president.
He also stressed that any problem between two brotherly countries, such as Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, must be resolved through dialogue and coordination in accordance with the principles specified in the Charter of the Arab League.
“Lebanon is looking forward to its Arab brothers to stand by its side in these difficult circumstances,” the minister concluded.
