Asiri Expresses Concern over Situation in Lebanon, Warns of Strife

Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Awadh Asiri expressed concern on Monday that the turmoil in the region could spill over into Lebanon, stressing that his country is keen to preserve stability in the country.

“Saudi Arabia will always stand by Lebanon,” Asiri said in an interview with An Nahar newspaper.

He denied claims that his country is interfering in the process of the government formation led by Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam.

The diplomat expressed hope that the rival parties would reach agreement over all the disputable matters so that “stability and security would prevail in Lebanon.”

Asiri pointed that his country is keen to communicate with all the political powers in the countries.

“The kingdom is keen to fortify the ties with Lebanon in various sectors,” he said.

The ambassador told An Nahar that the Lebanese should implement the Taef accord, criticizing the Lebanese for failing to carry out the agreement.

He expressed hope that the foes would resume the national dialogue to fortify the country and end the controversial disputes. Calling on politicians to abide by the dissociation policy.

The Gulf Cooperation Council previously expressed “great concern” over the government's failure to abide by the Baabda Declaration.

The Baabda Declaration was sponsored by President Michel Suleiman and calls for different parties to adhere to the disassociation policy to avoid the spread of the unrest in Syria to Lebanese territories.

“We fear that the incidents in the northern city of Tripoli and Hizbullah's intervention in the battles in Syria would affect Lebanon negatively,” Asiri added.

Lebanese parties are sharply divided over the crisis in Syria as the March 8 alliance continuously expresses its support to Syrian president Bashar Assad, while the March 14 camp backs the popular revolt.

Gulf states are currently mulling a decision to take measures against Hizbullah in the near future.

Hizbullah's men are fighting alongside Syrian government troops in a fierce battle to retake the strategic Syrian town of Qusayr from mostly Sunni rebels.

Asked if his country would warn its citizens not to travel to Lebanon over security fears, Asiri said that “the Saudi authorities have always slowed down in taking any decision concerning Lebanon but the safety of Saudi nationals is a priority.”

Since the eruption of Syria's clashes in 2011, Lebanon has been witnessing several security incidents in Tripoli, along the Lebanese-Syrian border and in several other regions.