Saudi sees ‘no useful purpose’ in engaging with Lebanon

Saudi Arabia does not plan on engaging in talks with Lebanon at present, a senior official has said.

“We see no useful purpose in engaging with the Lebanese government at this point in time,” Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan told France 24 TV in an interview.

“We think that the political class needs to step up and take the necessary actions to liberate Lebanon from the domination of Hezbollah, and through Hezbollah, Iran.”

His remarks came amidst a growing rift between Lebanon and the GCC states, after a minister made critical comments about the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen late last month.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain have all recalled their diplomats from Lebanon following the incident.

Read: UAE says all diplomats and citizens have returned from Lebanon

The kingdom has also banned all imports from Lebanon and expelled its ambassador.

Read: Saudi Arabia tells Lebanon ambassador to leave in 48 hours

The crisis began when Lebanon’s recently appointed Information Minister George Kordahi sided with the Houthi militia in an interview.

Following the incident, despite pressure from Lebanese Prime Minister to resign, Kordahi has refused to step down.