Mashnouq: Assassination Plot Reports against Gulf Envoys not Confirmed

Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq stressed on Saturday that the Lebanese government will provide the necessary security safety for the Saudi and Qatari ambassadors and their embassies in light of reports alleging that they could be targeted by attacks.

“Although there are no confirmed reports that the Saudi (Ali Awadh Asiri) and Qatari ambassador (Ali al-Marri) could be targeted by attacks, we have upped the security measures and we are now in control,” said Mashnouq to the Saudi Al Watan daily.

British newspapers quoted intelligence sources early this week claiming that the two ambassadors are subject to assassinations plots to incite sedition.

For his part, the Saudi ambassador told the daily: “This is not the first time that I and my colleagues are subject to threats being accredited diplomats in Lebanon. We are in constant contact with the Lebanese authorities to investigate the truthfulness of this threat.

“No threat will affect our professional performance towards our country or the positions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that it has always declared whether at the regional or international levels,” added Asiri.

“They will not change the positions of the Kingdom which is known for its wisdom, courage and commitment. When Saudi Arabia takes a firm position no threat could deter it. Threats like that only make us more committed to perform our duties towards our country and brethren Lebanese.”