Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said that the statements issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, in which the two countries expressed their hope for Lebanon to restore its Arab role, indicate that the “cloud” that has hanged over Lebanon’s relations is imminent.
During a cabinet session he chaired yesterday, Mikati expressed keenness to implement the ministerial statement, calling on the Arabs to stand by Lebanon, stressing that “what binds Lebanon with its brothers in the Gulf states is a common history and belief in a common destiny.”
This came at a time when the statements issued by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait were welcomed in Lebanon, in which the political parties saw a new opportunity to return to normal relations with the Gulf states, noting that ministerial sources suggested that the next stage would carry practical steps in this direction, revealing that Mikati may pay visits To Arab countries soon.
Presidency sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that “the presidency is satisfied with the positive reaction from the Arab countries; Because this is what Lebanese President Michan Aoun was seeking, and every positive sign that comes from the Gulf countries is welcome, and it was previously confirmed during the visit of the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, last week, and that Lebanon only wants the best relations with the Gulf and the Arab countries. ».
In turn, Maronite Patriarch Bechara Al-Rahi reiterated his call for an international conference “because the Lebanese are unable to sit with each other,” and said in a television interview during his visit to Egypt that “Lebanon has lost its basic identity, which is neutrality.” He believed that “the reasons for Lebanon’s isolation are known,” stressing that the country must not be states or republics, and it must be its own master.
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