Miqati Meets Abbas, Arabi in Riyadh on Eve of Arab Development Summit

Prime Minister Najib Miqati held separate talks on Sunday in Riyadh with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Arab League chief Nabil al-Arabi, on the eve of the third Arab Economic and Social Development Summit.

The prime minister “has started a series of meetings in Riyadh ... on the eve of heading the Lebanese delegation to the Arab Economic and Social Development Summit,” Miqati's office announced.

"In this regard, PM Miqati and the Lebanese ministerial delegation visited Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at his place of residence, in the presence of Palestinian prime minister Salam Fayad and the members of the Lebanese and Palestinian delegations," the office said, adding that talks touched on "the Arab situations in general and the Palestinian situations in particular."

After the meeting, Abbas told reporters: "We talked with the prime minister about the Palestinian cause and the Lebanese-Palestinian viewpoint, especially after the latest U.N. resolution and the steps we must take in its wake."

Talks also tackled “the peace plans that might be proposed by Europe and the United States after the formation of the new Obama administration and the Israeli elections, as well as the region in general and the situation in Syria and its repercussions on Lebanon and the Palestinians,” Abbas added.

Asked whether talks addressed the situations of Palestinians who fled the conflict in neighboring Syria to Lebanon, Abbas said: “Yes, we discussed this issue and we know that scores of Palestinians have fled to Lebanon and when the crisis ends in Syria, they must return to their homes.”

“We also discussed the issue of refugees in general and we all agree that refugees in Lebanon must return to Palestine eventually,” Abbas noted.

Earlier on Sunday, Miqati met with Arab League chief Arabi, who visited him at his place of residence. The meeting was attended by the Lebanese delegation and Lebanon's envoy to the Arab League ambassador Khaled Ziadeh.

“The meeting with the prime minister was fruitful and it addressed the Arab world's problems … and I benefited from his wisdom concerning several issues,” Arabi told reporters after the meeting.

Answering a question, Arabi added: “The ongoing events in the region have major repercussions on several countries, among them Lebanon, and they are a source of major concern.”

“What's happening in Syria is a tremendous tragedy and I must admit that I don't see a gleam of hope that something positive will be achieved anytime soon,” the Arab League's chief added.

Turning to the issue of Syrian refugees in Lebanon and the neighboring countries, Arabi said: “Resolving this issue depends on the course of the crisis in Syria and unfortunately there is no solution in sight. Concerning financial aid to countries hosting refugees, a decision will be taken on the issue on Jan. 30 in Kuwait during the joint meeting called by the emir of Kuwait and U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon.”

Sources close to Miqati told An Nahar newspaper in remarks published Sunday that he has not planned to meet with any Saudi Arabian officials.

The premier is accompanied on his visit by Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour, Finance Minister Mohammed al-Safadi, Economy Minister Nicolas Nahhas and Industry Minister Vrej Saboundjian.