Iran trying to destabilize Mideast

Paris : Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir on Tuesday warned against Iranian efforts to “destabilize” the Middle East.

Speaking at a joint press conference with French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, Jubeir said: “The entire world knows that Iran is working to destabilize our region. Iran must respect principles of good neighborliness if it wishes to normalize ties.”

Speaking on Lebanon, which Ayrault said he would be visiting soon, Jubeir slammed Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah for “stalling any efforts to resolve Lebanon’s presidential vacuum.”

The country has been without a president for more than two years.

Jubeir said the Arab Peace initiative is ongoing, hinting at continuing Israeli-Palestinian peace talks and expressed thanks to France for supporting the Kingdom’s efforts in the Middle East.

Discussing the Syrian crisis, the counterparts urged Russia to pressure the regime of President Bashar Al-Assad to stop bombing rebel positions, particularly in Aleppo.

Ayrault said a ceasefire would be the only stipulation for peace in Syria, along with a political solution to the crisis.

Jubeir said the Kingdom’s stance toward Assad – that he must relinquish power – has not and will not change.

Earlier in the press conference, Ayrault hailed Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, saying the plan will set to ensure the future success of the Kingdom.

Britain’s decision to leave the European Union will not affect relations with Saudi Arabia, Jubeir said.

“We don’t believe that the exit of Britain from the EU will have a major impact on our relationship with Great Britain,” he told reporters at a news conference in Paris.

“And so this is something that we follow. We will continue to have very strong ties with Great Britain in all areas as we will with the rest of the European countries,” he added.