Al-Faisal Surprised by Erroneous Interpretations, Stresses Support for Lebanese Legitimacy

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal said he was surprised by the “erroneous interpretations” of his remarks on the situation in Lebanon and stressed support for Lebanese legitimacy.

In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency, al-Faisal denied that he had told al-Arabiya TV network there was a change in Saudi policy towards Lebanon.

“This is untrue. Only the mediation has changed,” said al-Faisal.

On Wednesday, al-Faisal told al-Arabiya that Riyadh abandoned efforts to mediate in Lebanon's political crisis, warning of a "dangerous" situation.

He stressed to SPA on Friday that his country “will continue to back Lebanese legitimacy because it is the basis for Lebanon’s stability and its security and safety.”

Al-Faisal reiterated that Riyadh supports the Lebanese parliamentary majority headed by Caretaker PM Saad Hariri.