Hariri's Participation in Suleiman-King Abdullah Meeting a Point of Contention

Conflicting reports emerged on Wednesday over whether President Michel Suleiman was aware that former Prime Minister Saad Hariri would be present during his meeting with Saudi King Abdullah in Riyadh.

According to As Safir newspaper, Suleiman wasn't informed about Hariri's participation, wondering in a report about the aim of such a move by Saudi Arabia.

Diplomatic sources told the newspaper that Saudi Arabia deliberately invited Hariri to attend the meeting as a message to local and foreign parties that settling the Lebanese political crises will not happen without Hariri.

The newspaper reported that during the meeting, which took place in Riyadh on Monday during Suleiman's one-day official visit to the Saudi capital, Hariri had a brief 10 minutes address.

Presidential Palace sources considered in comments published in As Safir that the royal will regarding Hariri's participation can not be “rejected.”

the sources noted that the President wasn't annoyed by the matter as the point behind his visit to Saudi Arabia was to bridge the gap between the rival parties.

However, al-Joumhouria newspaper reported on Wednesday that Suleiman was not dismayed by Hariri's participation in his meeting with King Abdullah.

According to the daily, the Saudi Royal Diwan previously informed the Baabda Palace about the matter.

Sources close to al-Mustaqbal movement, which is led by Hariri, told the newspaper that Riyadh wanted to stress by Hariri's participation on his key role in the local Lebanese affairs.

“The matter isn't to target PM-designate Tammam Salam, who already has the support of Saudi Arabia and Hariri, but rather to stress on his role,” the sources pointed out.

The president returned on Tuesday from Saudi Arabia, where a day earlier he held talks with King Abdullah during a meeting attended by Hariri, top Saudi officials, including Crown Prince Salman and the Saudi ministers of foreign affairs, interior and information.

For his part Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Awadh Asiri said in comments published in the Saudi newspaper Okaz that the meeting between King Abdullah and Suleiman was “fruitful and positive,” without mentioning Hariri.

He pointed out that the two officials addressed the bilateral ties and ways to boost cooperation between the two countries.

“Suleiman's visit reflects the depth of the Saudi-Lebanese ties,” Asiri told the newspaper, stressing that it was a perfect opportunity to respond to those who decided to forget the fundamental role played by the kingdom.

According to As Safir newspaper, Suleiman didn't receive any clear answers about the cabinet crisis.

A member in Suleiman's delegation that the President agreed with the Saudi officials on the importance of resolving the government deadlock, stressing that the details weren't discussed.

“Saudi Arabia doesn't interfere in the matter but blesses the steps taken to end the dispute,” the source said.