Riyadh insists on 'end to Israeli hostilities,' says Saudi ambassador to Lebanon

Saudi Arabia's ambassador to Lebanon, Walid Boukhari, assured on Friday that Saudi Arabia “is committed to Lebanon's security and stability, and to the cessation of Israeli hostilities,” during a meeting with the Lebanese mufti, Abdellatif Derian, at Dar al-Fatwa, according to the official National News Agency (NNA).

Boukhari expressed the hope that “diplomatic efforts will lead to an agreement so that Lebanon can recover and live in peace.” “Saudi Arabia will continue to support Lebanon and the Lebanese,” he added, recalling that his country is offering aid to displaced Lebanese.

Derian pointed out that “Lebanon can only be saved from Israeli hostilities if it cooperates with its Arab brothers.” “The only way out is to apply Resolution 1701 and the Taif Agreement, and to elect a Lebanese president as soon as possible ... with the participation of all Lebanese components without exception,” he said. He also called for the formation of a “strong and effective” government and the reactivation of state institutions.