Arab FMs 'Unanimously' Approve Solidarity with Lebanon Clause

Arab foreign ministers meeting in Jordan on Monday “unanimously” approved a clause about “solidarity with Lebanon” that is expected to be included in the draft closing statement of the upcoming Arab Summit.

Al-Jadeed television said the clause was unanimously approved due to “Lebanese diplomatic efforts and increased Arab understanding.”

According to information obtained by al-Jadeed, “several Gulf countries played a key role in securing consensus over this decision.”

Lebanon meanwhile “maintained its reservations over clauses labeling Hizbullah as a terrorist organization in the resolution that condemns the Iranian interference in the internal affairs of the Arab countries,” al-Jadeed said.

Lebanon's delegation to the meeting was led by Foreign Ministry secretary general Charbel Wehbe.

“We hope the joint Arab action will be based on the principle of the (League) charter, especially in terms of respecting the particularities of each Arab state and refraining from interfering in its internal affairs,” Wehbe told the meeting.

Lebanon's ties with the Arab Gulf states have witnessed tensions in recent years in connection with the policies of Hizbullah and its backer Iran in Lebanon and the region.