Saudi Arabia, Allies Send Ambassadors Back To Lebanon
Along with a ceasefire in Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Yemen announced the return of their envoys to Lebanon as a sign of tension reduction among Arab states.
Along with a ceasefire in Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Yemen announced the return of their envoys to Lebanon as a sign of tension reduction among Arab states.
Last year, Saudi Arabia and its allies withdrew their envoys from Lebanon over what essentially has been the Iranian-backed Hezbollah’s influence in the country and criticism by pro-Hezbollah politicians of the Saudi role in Yemen’s conflict.
It is not clear if the Saudi decision means economic support for the beleaguered Lebanese economy that has gone into a tailspin since mid-2019. Saudi Arabia and its wealthy oil-producing allies were traditionally assisting Lebanon with economic aid.
The Saudi foreign ministry said its ambassador returned in response to calls by "moderate" Lebanese political forces and after remarks by Prime Minister Najib Mikati regarding "ending all political, military and security activities" that affect Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf states.
The Saudi statement on state news agency SPA stressed the importance of Lebanon "returning to its Arab depth".
Kuwait's foreign ministry issued a similar statement. Mikati's office said Kuwait's envoy would return before the end of the week.
Mikati, in a Twitter post welcoming the move, said Lebanon was "proud of its Arab affiliation and upholds the best relations with Gulf states", describing them as pillars of support.
