Mikati delivers a speech on the occasion of the centenary of the bar association in Tripoli. (Credit: Mikati's press office)
BEIRUT — Prime Minister Najib Mikati again Thursday spoke about the need to prioritize the “general interest” in resolving Lebanon’s ongoing diplomatic crisis with several Gulf countries. However, the premier made no explicit reference to Information Minister George Kurdahi, whose remarks triggered the rift with Saudi Arabia and several other countries when they were broadcast late last month.
Here is what we know:
• Speaking to the Tripoli bar association on the occasion of its centenary, Mikati said a state “is based on a simple rule: individuals or groups must voluntarily set some of their rights aside to put the general interest first.” He then went on to highlight the importance of the “preservation of Lebanon’s belonging to the Arab League and the preservation of fraternal relations with the Arab brothers, particularly the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
• The remarks follow Mikati’s call last Thursday for Kurdahi to “follow his conscience” and act in the interest of Lebanon and Lebanese citizens living in Arab Gulf countries.
• Kurdahi became the center of the latest Lebanon-Gulf rift when Al Jazeera broadcast an interview on Oct. 26 in which the minister voiced opposition to Saudi interference in the war in Yemen. The segment however had been recorded prior to his appointment as information minister.
• Mikati also appeared to reference Kurdahi’s proximity to Hezbollah in his remarks to the Tripoli bar association. "Any logic that prioritizes private rights, whether those of an individual or a group, generally leads to tensions and the blocking of institutions,” he said. Hezbollah had released a statement supporting Kurdahi following the Gulf countries’ announcements of their cutting of diplomatic ties with Lebanon.
• Two Hezbollah MPs Hasan Ezzeddine (Hezbollah/Sur) and Hasan Fadlallah (Hezbollah/Bint Jbeil) spoke in defense of the information minister at the end of last month.
• In the wake of the broadcast of Kurdahi’s remarks on Oct. 25, Saudi Arabia announced strict measures against Lebanon including a ban on all its imports. The kingdom recalled its ambassador to Beirut and expelled the Lebanese ambassador in Riyadh. Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates have all also severed diplomatic ties with Lebanon.
• On Monday, Secretary-General of the Arab League, Houssam Zaki, visited Lebanon and said Kurdahi’s resignation can be a starting point to ease tensions between Lebanon and Gulf states. The minister, however, refuses to resign.