Report: SA Sets Conditions in Return for Reactivating Aid Programs for Lebanon

Saudi Arabia has set some conditions in return for reconsidering the activation of military and economic aid programs for Lebanon that have been halted in 2016, media reports said Monday.

Al-Joumhouria daily said that senior Saudi officials told President Michel Aoun during his visit to the Kingdom last week, that in order for SA to revitalize relations with Lebanon, it is crucial that the term of Aoun demonstrates “independence” away from any Lebanese parties' attempt to control it.

They pointed out that Aoun's term is “promising and positive, especially that the direct contact between King Salman bin Abdul Aziz and President Aoun was good.”

The conditions reportedly set by Riyadh are:

1:Iran and Hizbullah's behavior on the Lebanese arena in the upcoming months, mainly that the negotiations for a settlement in Syria began in parallel with the war ravaging there.

2: Conducting the parliamentary elections in order for Saudi Arabia to know whether Prime Minister Saad Hariri will be chosen to head the next cabinet, or if his earlier endorsement was a temporary procedure that came to guarantee the election of President Michel Aoun.

3:Inquiring the future of the Lebanese army leadership, after reports leaked that certain changes will be introduced. Knowing that the latest military achievements under Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji impose the need to keep this leadership instead of changing it.

4:The fate of the governorship of the Central Bank of Lebanon, since the previous and future Saudi donations are usually made through the central bank. Knowing that a relationship of trust connects Governor Riad Salameh and Saudi Arabia. But, Saudi officials received information last week from the PM that Salameh will remain in his post to ensure the safety of the Lebanese currency.