Qahwaji Says Gulf States Provided Much for Lebanon, Refuses Interference in Their Affairs

Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji stressed keenness to maintain good relations with the Gulf countries as he urged Lebanese expats working in the Gulf states not to engage in political affairs of the hosting country, the Kuwaiti al-Anbaa daily reported on Sunday.

“Qahwaji reiterated eagerness to keep the best relations with the Arab Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE and Qatar, which are hosting thousands of Lebanese as he reminded of their offering to Lebanon during its time of crises,” visitors to Qahwaji quoted him as saying.

“We do not want to boycott (relations) anyone, nor do we want to intervene in the affairs of anyone. I have called on the Lebanese expats working in the Gulf countries not to engage in political affairs of the hosting states. People of the gulf, mainly people of Kuwait, consider Lebanon their second home. We are aware of the magnitude of emotion they have for Lebanon and its stability and the Lebanese have the same feelings towards them,” the visitors added quoting the Army Commander.

On the Egyptian initiative towards Lebanon, they conveyed Qahwaji's satisfaction with the role played by Egypt towards Lebanon.

They highlighted the latest visit of the Egyptian Foreign Minister to Lebanon, Sameh Shoukri, and said that Qahwaji expects the visit's outcome to be up to the expectations by virtue of Cairo's continued contacts with Damascus and other regional states which could reflect positively on Lebanon's stability.