Lebanese Forces Party Chief, Samir Geagea, met Saturday in Maarab with Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon, Walid Al-Bukhari, in the presence of “Strong Republic” bloc memnber, MP Melhem Riachy. According to a statement following the two-hour meeting, it indicated that the lengthy discussion touched mainly on the Lebanese presidential dossier without tackling any candidate’s name, emphasizing the need to expedite the completion of this entitlement and bring in a reformist sovereign president from outside the current lineups. It was also underlined that the Kingdom’s postion is steadfast towards Lebanon and will not change, and therefore the country will not witness a negative reflection of the Saudi-Iranian agreement, but rather it will be positively affected. “As for Saudi Arabia’s role in the Five-Year Committee, it is known that it is in the interest of Lebanon and its sovereignty,” the statement asserted. During the Maarab meeting, Ambassador Bukhari warned of the consequences of failing to hold the presidential elections in Lebanon, stating that “the Saudi-Iranian agreement included the common desire of both sides to resolve differences through communication and dialogue via peaceful means and diplomatic tools,” stressing that “the Kingdom’s hand is extended, as always, for cooperation and dialogue with the countries of the region and the world, in everything that would preserve the security and stability of the region.” “Therefore, the Kingdom’s efforts aim to secure an international safety net to face challenges and dangers, in order to safeguard the principle of coexistence and Lebanon’s message in its Arab and international environment,” the Saudi diplomat maintained. “Lebanon is a founding member of the League of Arab States. Hence, protecting its people and saving its identity is linked to Arab national security and regional and international peace,’ Bukhari underscored.
Source: National News Agency-Lebanon