Asiri Denies Ties with Hizbullah Frozen Despite Political Differences
Saudi Ambassador Ali Awadh Asiri revealed on Thursday that political differences between Riyadh and Hizbullah were natural and should be used in Lebanon's national interest.
In remarks to As Safir daily, Asiri said that he was in continuous contact with Hizbullah. But stressed that their dispute on some political issues “were not a problem.”
“They are normal and should be used in Lebanon's favor,” he said.
Asked about Riyadh's ties with the Free Patriotic Movement of MP Michel Aoun, Asiri said: “Our relations were frozen in the past … but Aoun is welcome.”
His comments came after FPM official Energy Minister Jebran Bassil visited Asiri on Tuesday.
Bassil's visit was seen as a first step towards a willingness by the Hizbullah-led March 8 coalition to revive contacts between the party and the Saudi capital which Hizbullah deputy chief Sheikh Naim Qassem had visited in the past.
Qassem and Mohammed Fneish, who is currently a caretaker minister, made a three-day visit to Jeddah in December 2006 for a meeting with King Abdullah and his foreign minister Prince Saud al-Faisal.
The visit was aimed at easing tension between the kingdom and Hizbullah, which at the time was leading an opposition campaign to bring down then Prime Minister Fouad Saniora's government.
Asked whether he expected a meeting between him and a Hizbullah delegation anytime soon, Asiri said: “Our doors and hearts are open. The party is welcome.”
He reiterated that Saudi Arabia was at an equal distance from all sides. “We hope that the political parties extend their hands to each other and engage in a constructive dialogue.”
over 11 years
Why turn something positive into threats.
over 11 years
agree JC
over 11 years
m8 knows nothing but threats all the time :)
they prove each day they are thugs.
thugs can never last, even Hitler had an end to his reign of terror.
over 11 years
Beautifully said tomahawk.
over 11 years
what is beautiful is how illiterate you are and brainwashed you are that you come on here ripping on KSA and sunnis, when your bosses are sleeping with the KSA and raking money from the KSA!
over 11 years
You are an idiot tom tom boy...
over 11 years
Partition please.
over 11 years
Agreed. 100 percent partition. No compromises.
over 11 years
"Asked about Riyadh's ties with the Free Patriotic Movement of MP Michel Aoun, Asiri said: “Our relations were frozen in the past".
It's no wonder the number 1 state-sponsor of terrorism in the world froze its ties with General Aoun. He is one of the most feared political leaders in Lebanon and a picture of him is enough to make all of Riyadh tremble.
God bless General Aoun for protecting the rights of the Christians, for protecting Lebanese sovereignty and democracy, and for fearlessly resisting the spread of Wahabism in Lebanon.
over 11 years
Get serious. Trembling? Why? Does he have a nuclear device? Partitioning Lebanon? Which village would you like to declare you country?
over 11 years
Hehehehe if saudi arabia pointed its finger, aoun would become dust.
over 11 years
the reign of terror in Lebanon is coming to an end sooner than expected by some :)
over 11 years
Saudi Arabia paid 1 billion dollars to bring General Aoun down in the 2009 elections and he STILL walked away with the largest Christian parliamentary bloc and nearly swept the Mount Lebanon districts.
Yes, General Aoun makes the Saudi terrorists TREMBLE in fear. God bless all those who protect our democracy against the lunatic Gulf Arab Wahabi terrorists.
over 11 years
"Saudi Arabia paid 1 billion dollars "
how do you know that?
over 11 years
Aoun told him that
over 11 years
Lol. Come on karim, bite for once and stop barking. Show us the 1 billion.
Hell we'll be happy if you can show half a billion
over 11 years
How come you are at m3 now? did naharnet actually ban your m1 and m2 accounts? Or do you just use these to give yourself thumbs up :)
over 11 years
it is in aoun's latest book lol
over 11 years
is 1 billion dollars a lot of money?
Hope KSA respects the balance of power in Lebanon , they must see the power that the M8s hold in lebanon not just their toy boy puppet Saad & co ( ( M14s) , keep your doors open. Otherwise you investments in Lebanon will turn into sand if you know what's good for you !!