RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is monitoring the situation, while several Lebanese politicians still continue trading accusations over the Saudi decision to halt the $4 billion aid to the Lebanese security forces.
In a dramatic turn of events, however, Lebanese Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi resigned from the cabinet on Sunday, saying that the Hezbollah terrorist group is harming Beirut’s relations with Arab countries.
“The Kingdom is keeping an eye on the situation, but it is too early to draw conclusions,” said Ali Awad Asiri, Saudi ambassador to Lebanon, in a statement released to Ashraq Al-Awsat.
Asiri said that “the embassy is carefully watching the Lebanese reaction toward the Saudi decision, especially the reports of non-Lebanese irresponsible media… that serves no interests.”
Asiri said that “the picture is clear now; there are parties that want to destroy Lebanon on the one hand, and on the other, there are parties, who want to protect it.”
His remarks follow Saudi Arabia’s announcement on Friday that it has halted a $4 billion program for military supplies to Lebanon in protest against Hezbollah’s anti-Arab policies.
In fact, Lebanese Minister Rifi attributed the cause of his resignation to the growing clout of Hezbollah, a group supporting Iran and opposing Arab solidarity.
The resignation of Rifi, a longtime critic of the Hezbollah, comes two days after Saudi Arabia halted deals aimed at equipping and supporting Lebanese security forces.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has strongly backed the Saudi decision, raising concerns it could have repercussions for thousands of Lebanese living and working in Gulf countries.
The Saudi decision came after Lebanese Foreign Minister Gibran Bassil declined to support Saudi resolutions against Iran during two major meetings of Arab and Muslim foreign ministers.
Bassil dared to offend Saudi Arabia at the request of Hezbollah, Rifi said.
“The practices of Hezbollah and its allies are not acceptable and staying in the government means approving them.”
Current Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam, however, has called on the Kingdom to reconsider its decision.
Rifi has also been campaigning against last month’s release of former Information Minister Michel Samaha, a close ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad.
Samaha was convicted by a Lebanese military court on charges of plotting bombings at the behest of Syria.
He was sentenced in May to four-and-a-half years in prison.
In yet another blow, which may or may not be related to the ongoing tiff; the National Commercial Bank (NCB) of Saudi Arabia announced that it will close its branches in Lebanon.
“The two NCB branches in Beirut formed part of the NCB International Banking Segment and their closure will have no financial impact on the bank’s current financial statements,” said a bourse filing.
Referring to the hostile attitude shown by a section of Lebanese officials toward Arab nations including the Kingdom; Adam M. Shalan, a professor of political science, said that “Lebanon, or for that matter any other nation, should not take the Saudi support for granted.”
The Kingdom, he said, has been giving aid and sending relief supplies to a number of poor nations across the world including Lebanon.
To this end, it must be noted that the Kingdom also continues to provide relief and humanitarian aid to Syrian refugees taking shelter in Lebanon.
On Sunday also, a total of 4,700 winter clothes were distributed by the Kingdom among Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
Walid Jalal, chief of Saudi relief operations in Lebanon, pointed out that more than 470 Syrian families benefited from the relief supplies.
Disgust grows over Hezbollah’s ploys
Disgust grows over Hezbollah’s ploys
King Salman, crown prince send condolences to US President Biden on death of Jimmy Carter
- Former president died on Sunday aged 100
RIYADH: King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday sent cables of condolences to US President Joe Biden on the death of former US President Jimmy Carter, who died on Sunday aged 100.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the king said: “We received the news of the death of former US President Jimmy Carter, and we express to Your Excellency, the family of the deceased and your friendly people our deepest condolences and sincere sympathy, hoping that you will not see any harm or misfortune.”
The crown prince sent a similar cable to Biden, SPA added.
Carter, who was in the White House from 1977 to 1981, died more than a year after entering hospice care, at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died at 96 in November 2023, spent most of their lives.
British explorer Alice Morrison to embark on 2,500-km trek across Saudi Arabia
- Alice Morrison featured AlUla in her recent series “Arabian Adventure: The Secrets of the Nabateans,” which aired earlier this year on BBC
- Morrison is equally passionate about connecting with Saudi women during her journey
RIYADH: British explorer and television presenter Alice Morrison is preparing for a groundbreaking expedition that will see her traverse Saudi Arabia on foot, becoming the first person to journey from the Kingdom’s far north to its far south, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Her ambitious five-month trek begins on Jan. 1, covering a distance of 2,500 km.
Accompanied by local guides and camels, Morrison will navigate Saudi Arabia’s diverse terrains, including its deserts, oases, and mountains.
Her journey is driven by three key objectives: to uncover new landmarks and historical insights, to spotlight the significant role of Saudi women in society, and to showcase the nation’s natural beauty and environmental conservation efforts, SPA added.
“I have been studying Arabic and the Middle East for 45 years,” she said as she reflected on her upcoming adventure. “Now, I get to explore the heart of Arabia.”
By retracing ancient caravan routes, Morrison said she is aiming to shed light on the historical narratives that defined the region while offering fresh perspectives on a nation undergoing rapid transformation and modernization.
A significant milestone on her route will be AlUla, a location steeped in history and heritage. This destination is familiar to Morrison, who featured it in her recent series “Arabian Adventure: The Secrets of the Nabateans,” which aired earlier this year on the BBC.
“The route I am taking is stuffed with history, so I’ll be searching for new sites. I’m also walking through climate change and will be recording my findings,” she explained. “The desert is a harsh mistress, and I am sure she will be teaching me many lessons along the route.”
Morrison is equally passionate about connecting with Saudi women during her journey, dedicating time to hear their stories and share their experiences.
“As a female explorer, I am willing to spend time with Saudi women telling their stories,” Morrison said, emphasizing the importance of engaging with local communities.
At 61, Morrison sees her expedition as an inspiration for others to pursue their dreams, regardless of age, and a means of fostering greater interest in and understanding of the Kingdom.
“I am a mid-life woman, and I hope my adventure inspires others to get out and follow their dreams. I couldn’t have attempted this at 25; I needed the life experience to get me here.”
Drug smuggling and trafficking networks dismantled: Saudi interior ministry source
- The source explained that the two networks were active in drug smuggling and trafficking in the Riyadh and Jazan regions
- Regular procedures were taken against the 13 members of the two networks and they were referred to the Public Prosecution
RIYADH: Two criminal networks that specialized in smuggling amphetamine tablets and hashish have been dismantled and their members arrested, an official source at the Saudi Ministry of Interior has said.
The source explained that the two networks were active in drug smuggling and trafficking in the Riyadh and Jazan regions, through King Khalid International Airport and Farasan Island.
The 13 members of the networks include a Ministry of Interior employee, four employees from the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, two Ministry of Defense employees, and three residents of Yemeni and Syrian nationalities.
Regular procedures were taken against the 13 members of the two networks and they were referred to the Public Prosecution, Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The Ministry of Interior confirmed that authorities will crack down on anyone who dares to tamper with the security and stability of the Kingdom and that of its citizens and residents.
Saudi program to train future ambassadors of moderation globally
- 60 students from 40 countries selected; initiative backed by $1m in contributions from Saudi endowments, foundations
RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh and Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan recently inaugurated the Fellowship of Moderation and Fairness program for scholarship students in Saudi Arabia.
Launched at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs headquarters in Riyadh, the program is supervised by both ministries, Saudi universities and donor institutions in the nonprofit sector.
Al-Asheikh said that the program reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to serving Islam and Muslims, and aligns with its vision to promote moderation based on solid principles and authentic traditions.
The program combines rigorous scientific methodology with practical applications to train select international students at Saudi universities as ambassadors of moderation within their communities, he added.
The fellowship represents an integrated training system that fosters cognitive and leadership excellence, preparing graduates to address contemporary challenges and contribute to a cooperative and prosperous future.
President of King Abdulaziz University Tareef Al-Alaama said that the fellowship was launched in the summer with support from the Endowment of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz for His Parents and under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.
The program attracted significant interest, with about 300 male and female students from various nationalities applying. After a thorough nomination and selection process, 60 people from 40 countries were selected.
Ten seats are reserved in honor of the minister of Islamic affairs for exceptional students from Muslim minority communities worldwide, recognizing their efforts in promoting moderation and combating hatred and extremism.
In conjunction with the program’s launch, the General Authority of Awqaf, the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Foundation for Developmental Housing and the Al-Rajhi Endowment pledged almost SR4 million ($1 million) to support the initiative.
The contributions highlight the program’s role in promoting the values of moderation, in line with the ministry’s mission and the directives of Saudi leadership.
Syrian FM Al-Shibani receives invitation to visit Saudi Arabia
- Al-Shibani has expressed optimism about the future of Syrian-Saudi relations
DUBAI: Foreign Minister of the transitional government in Syria, Asaad Hassan Al-Shibani, said on X on Monday that he had accepted an invitation from his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan to visit the Kingdom, in what would be his first foreign trip since the ouster of former president Bashar Assad on Dec. 8.
“We look forward to building strategic relations with Saudi Arabia in all fields,” read a statement posted on the Syrian Arab News Agency's X account.
Al-Shibani has expressed optimism about the future of Syrian-Saudi relations, and has emphasized the importance of building strategic ties in all fields, SANA reported.
He added, “I am honored to represent my country and look forward to this opportunity to enhance cooperation and dialogue.”
It follows comments made by Syria’s new leader, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, who said Saudi Arabia had a major role to play in his country’s future during an interview with Al Arabiya, which aired on Sunday.
“Saudi Arabia has a major role in Syria’s future, and I take pride in everything it has done for us,” he said, adding that he spent his early childhood in Riyadh and hoped to visit the city again.
Al-Sharaa also praised recent Saudi statements as “very positive” and commended Riyadh’s efforts toward stabilizing Syria.
Earlier this month, a high-ranking Saudi delegation headed by an advisor to the Royal Court visited Syria and met with Al-Sharaa in Damascus.
