Asiri Gathers Lebanese Leaders over Dinner, Hopes for President Election 'before Eid al-Fitr'

W460

Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Awadh Asiri threw a dinner banquet Friday in honor of Lebanon's political, security and religious leaders and hoped a new president will be elected “before Eid al-Fitr,” which will be observed in early July.

“The presidential vacuum is about to enter its third year and the more it protracts the more the State and its institutions are nearing the edge of the abyss,” Asiri said in a speech at the dinner.

“I urge you to find the political will and consensual solutions to resolve this issue, so that Eid al-Fitr can be celebrated in the presence of a new president,” he added.

The dinner was attended by Prime Minister Tammam Salam, a representative of Speaker Nabih Berri, al-Mustaqbal movement leader ex-PM Saad Hariri, Free Patriotic Movement founder MP Michel Aoun, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea, MP Suleiman Franjieh's son Tony, ex-presidents Amin Gemayel and Michel Suleiman, ex-PMs Najib Miqati and Fouad Saniora, Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Daryan, a representative of Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi and Greek Orthodox Archbishop Elias Aude.

It was also attended by Army chief General Jean Qahwaji, Internal Security Forces chief Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Basbous, General Security chief Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim, a number of Arab and foreign ambassadors, several current and former ministers and MPs, and a number of political, military, spiritual, social and economic figures.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and all its leaders will remain the main supporter of national accord and political and security stability in Lebanon and the supporter of the Muslim-Christian coexistence, and it is not true that it has abandoned Lebanon,” Asiri added.

“But, in return, Lebanon is required to stay loyal to its history and harmonious with itself and with its neighborhood,” he went on to say.

“Yes to Lebanese unity, yes to Lebanese coexistence, yes to Lebanese reconciliation and yes to a new president in Lebanon. Yes to a better tomorrow and yes to peace, stability and prosperity,” Asiri said.

“I hope that the ongoing municipal polls -- which are taking place in a civilized and democratic way -- will be a step towards holding the presidential and parliamentary elections,” he added.

Y.R.

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