Riyadh Confirms Aid Halt, Slams Opposing Stances despite All out Support

The Saudi government confirmed on Monday that it has stopped all military aid to Lebanon, saying despite longstanding support for all sects, it was met by opposition from some Lebanese parties.

Saudi Arabia “had long stood next to Lebanon at all difficult stages and had supported it without distinguishing between its sects,” said a statement read by Culture Minister Adel al-Toraifi following the cabinet session.

“Despite its stances, Saudi Arabia was confronted by opposing Lebanese stances … amid Hizbullah's” domination of the Lebanese state, al-Toraifi stated.

The statement also slammed the “so-called Hizbullah for launching a political and media campaign against Saudi Arabia and for resorting to terrorism against the Arab and Islamic nation.”

“These unjustified stances do not come in harmony with the brotherly ties between the two countries and do not serve their interests,” it said.

“The Kingdom has done everything in its power to stop things from reaching this stage and to confirm that it stands by the Lebanese people with all its sects,” stated the minister.

Riyadh “is aware that these positions do not represent the Lebanese people and appreciates the stances issued by some Lebanese officials and personalities, including Prime Minister Tammam Salam, in support of the Kingdom,” he said.

Saudi Arabia announced on Friday that it was halting deals worth $4 billion aimed at equipping and supporting the Lebanese army and security forces.

The Saudi decision came after Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil declined to support Saudi resolutions against Iran during two meetings of Arab and Muslim foreign ministers. Bassil is the head of the Free Patriotic Movement, which is one of the strongest allies of the Iran-backed Hizbullah.

The move prompted Lebanese politicians to trade accusations.

G.K.

M.T.