UAE recalls diplomats in Lebanon, bans travel of citizens to country

The UAE has recalled its diplomats in Lebanon and also banned the travel of its citizens in the country, in a show of solidarity with Saudi Arabia.

Last week, the UAE denounced the statements made by George Kordahi, Lebanese Minister of Information, against the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen and in support of the Houthis in Yemen.

The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) expressed dismay over what it termed as disrespectful and biased statements made by Kordahi, which insulted the coalition’s member countries.

MoFAIC also summoned the Lebanese ambassador to the UAE to inform him of its indignation and denunciation of such belligerent statements that contravenes diplomatic norms and the history of Lebanon’s relations with the coalition countries, according to state-run news agency WAM.

Kordahi had reportedly said that the Houthis were “defending themselves against an external aggression”.

It added that the statements showed the growing distance Lebanon is taking from its Arab neighbours.

On Saturday, Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, UAE’s Minister of State, said that for the time being work in the consular section and Visa Centre in the country’s mission to Beirut would continue.

The UAE was the fourth GCC country to recall its diplomats from Lebanon.

Kuwait Foreign Ministry decided on Saturday to recall its ambassador in Lebanon for consultations and asked Lebanon’s charge d’affaires in Kuwait to also leave the country within 48 hours.

Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also said on Saturday that it has asked the Lebanese ambassador to Bahrain to leave the kingdom within the next 48 hours.

Apart from asking the Lebanese ambassador in Saudi to leave the kingdom by Sunday, Saudi has additionally banned all imports from Lebanon and asked the government to clarify its position regarding the statements made by Kordhai.